Track referendum endorsed

Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: December 14, 2010 7:00 PM
A proposed sports complex now has the official blessing of all Greater Vernon jurisdictions.  On Monday, Vernon council unanimously supported a referendum to borrow $7.8 million for a facility next to the local Okanagan College campus.  “This will be a wonderful thing for Vernon and area. It’s long overdue,” said Coun. Shawn Lee.  The North Okanagan Regional District has agreed to lease 10 acres of college property for $1 a year for 40 years. It would include an Olympic-sized, rubberized running track, a regulation-sized field for football and other sports, and other amenities.  “It’s not just for children but with economic development, so much depends on a community being family friendly,” said Coun. Mary-Jo O’Keefe.  Mayor Wayne Lippert agreed to the referendum although he has expressed hesitation about the lease between NORD and Okanagan College.  “It’s an OK lease. It could have been better for Greater Vernon,” he said.  Among his concerns are OC getting access to facilities the public paid for.  Lippert says the complex could be beneficial for residents.  “The community has been in need of a track for years, and the same with football. I am more than willing to have this issue go to referendum,” he said. It’s not known when a referendum may be held because Coldstream must apply to the Agricultural Land Commission for a non-farm use in the Agricultural Land Reserve.  It’s been suggested that a vote could be held during next November’s civic elections, but O’Keefe believes it should be earlier.  “In the midst of municipal elections, it can get caught up with other issues. I’d rather the focus be on the facility,” she said of holding a referendum separately.  Support for a referendum has already come from Coldstream, BX-Swan Lake and BX-Silver Star.