Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: December 16, 2011 1:00 AM
It’s increasingly uncertain what multi-million-dollar projects could seek residents’ support. The Greater Vernon Advisory Committee was considering a
referendum for a $7.8 million sports complex, but it learned Thursday
the Vernon Recreation Complex needs $2 million in repairs and could be
replaced. There is also the issue of expanded space for the art gallery
and the museum. “There are a lot of capital projects that there’s pressure for,” said director Juliette Cunningham. Director Jim Garlick admits conditions at the recreation complex could possibly impact other proposed initiatives. “This has come out of nowhere,” he said of staff’s
report about problems with the dehumidification system and heating lines
at the complex. Director Rob Sawatzky isn’t convinced the art gallery and museum should be part of the equation. “It’s up to them to advocate to us and they haven’t approached us,” he said of GVAC. “They haven’t said they’re asking for capital money or that they want to go to referendum.” Cunningham doesn’t support Sawatzky’s views. “Taxpayers are already facing financial pressures and
we have to be realistic that there are different factions out there —
sports and culture,” she said. The city recently gave the Vernon Public Art Gallery a
deadline to initiate a planning process for a piece of city-owned land
downtown. “We’ve given them a year’s window so a referendum could be imminent,” said Cunningham. The next step is to determine projected costs for a new recreation complex. “The price may be so huge, we’ll spend the $2 million
(for repairs), and that will fall off of the table,” said Garlick, of a
replacement building. A special GVAC meeting will be held in January to discuss the recreation complex, the sports complex, art gallery and museum. “There’s a lot of demand for tax dollars and it’s incumbent on us to sort it out,” said director Mike Macnabb. But Macnabb doesn’t support possibly having one referendum that would ask residents to fund all of the facilities at once. “In today’s financial climate, that’s not the best way
to do it,” he said, adding that any process leading to referendums will
have to involve public consultation.
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Just when it seemed as though Vernon might be
gaining momentum in the sports and/or cultural world, a wrench has been
thrown in the mix. It’s been learned that the community’s beloved recreational complex could need repairs to the tune of $2 million. At that price tag, one has to wonder if the aging building is even worth repairing. Or would it make more sense, especially considering the high demand for pool access, to construct a bigger and better facility? Whatever the case, the unfortunate fact is something’s likely got to give in order for Greater Vernon to afford
this recreational amenity. That something will likely be the proposed
sports complex and/or a new art gallery and museum. It may seem unfair, considering efforts have been
ongoing for both of the proposed projects, whereas the need for rec
centre repairs has just surfaced suddenly. But the reality is taxpayers
can’t foot the bill for everything. The issue may turn out considerable debate and
force Greater Vernon to decide what is most important: a
pool/recreational facility, a sports complex or an art gallery/museum? One quick look around this community and you will see that varying interests abound. Artists are an integral part of the area, who not
only add to our diversity but make a living at it. And history is
obviously essential to preserving. Then there are all the sports-minded
individuals and teams that keep young and old active and bring in needed
revenue via tournaments. Certainly all avenues for funding from other
levels of government have to be pursued vigorously but let the debate
begin about what the community can and should pursue in earnest.
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