A local politician is surprised the site of a proposed Greater Vernon track and field facility has become an issue. Regional District of North Okanagan staff recently stated in a report
two sites are suitable for the Olympic-sized running track and playing
field, one on 5.8 hectares of farm land in Coldstream next to Okanagan
College, and the other at Kin Race Track in Vernon, despite it being
tied up in legal issues.
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| Mike Macnabb |
Greater Vernon Advisory Committee chair Mike Macnabb says the college site has always been the preferred choice. "This has never been a topic of discussion as far as I'm aware. GVAC,
the folks around the table, have always thought that the referendum
would be for the college lands and development of the track at that
location." Macnabb calls it unfortunate that a second option has been floated by RDNO staff, as he feels it's not a viable option. He's not sure where the idea for a second location originated. "I have no idea where that's coming from. That discussion never came
up. I know when (Vernon) Mayor (Wayne) Lippert was in position he had
thought that perhaps the Kin Race Track might be an alternative but both
the community groups and elected officials at that time were quite
happy to go ahead with the college lands and develop the track at that
area." Macnabb says there a number of synergies with the college, while Kin Track is mired in some controversy. "There's some legal issues (with the Vernon and District Equestrian
Society) that have to be sorted out before anything goes forward." He says it creates confusion for the public, and he would like GVAC
to clarify the college as the intended site for the 8.5 million dollar
facility, at an upcoming meeting. Directors have started the process for a referendum but a date has not been set.
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