Committee casts eye on facility vote

By Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: January 06, 2011 6:00 PM

User groups and residents could play a critical role leading up to a vote on a sports complex.  The Greater Vernon Advisory Committee decided Thursday to form a committee that will focus on a proposed facility next to Okanagan College prior to a referendum seeking to borrow up to $7.8 million. “We will organize the sports groups so we can make sure they are aware of what’s going on there and elicit their support,” said Wayne Lippert, chairperson.  “A lot of people (taxpayers) will be wondering why and how much, and groups that use those facilities can answer those questions.”  A date has not been set for a referendum because the District of Coldstream – where the property is located – is seeking approval to have sports facilities permitted within the Agricultural Land Reserve.  “It will depend on how quickly they can get it through the Agricultural Land Commission,” said Lippert.  The proposed sports complex could include an Olympic-size, rubberized running track; an artificial turf field for football, soccer, rugby and field lacrosse; facilities for high-jumping, pole-vault and discus-throwing; covered seating for 400 spectators; a 4,575-square-foot field house with change rooms; and a 1,948-square-foot building with washrooms and meeting space.  The North Okanagan Regional District has entered into a 40-year lease with Okanagan College to use the 10 acres of land. The lease is for $1 a year. Maria Besso, a Coldstream director, believes a committee of interested sports organizations and residents is necessary leading up to a referendum.  “It’s important to have everyone on the same page with the same information,” she said. “We want informed groups and residents so they can make a decision for or against.”  Because taxpayers will be asked to spend money, director Patrick Nicol insists the entire process must be transparent. “We need to be more open in how we communicate the message,” he said.“This committee is about giving people who have wanted this facility for years their say.”