Coldstream supports Vernon's bid for Ironman

By Jennifer Smith - Vernon Morning Star Published: September 18, 2012 9:00 AM 
Thousands of athletes could be making a splash into Kalamalka Lake next year, if Vernon decides to submit a bid for Ironman. Coldstream (home to the pristine lake) has jumped on board with its support for the triathlon. But Vernon politicians still must decide if they even want to host the event. Vernon council will make a decision on whether to submit a bid at special meeting Friday afternoon. Then it will be up to the World Triathlon Corporation, which owns the worldwide Ironman brand, to choose the next host community for the October 2013 event. That decision is expected to be announced Oct. 10 at Ironman in Kona, Hawaii. While Coldstream has lent Vernon its support behind a bid, it isn't prepared to commit to assisting with costs and logistics for the event just yet. "Unfortunately I don't thing we have as much information as we need," said Coun. Pat Cochrane, at a special meeting Monday. "We don't know the route, we don't know what roads are involved, we don't know whether we're on the hook for 30 or 50 RCMP for the day." Coun. Gyula Kiss is not in favour of sending a letter of support with Vernon's bid. "I'm not sure if we have a budget for such an event." Coldstream politicians had hoped to have more details, particularly on the costs associated with hosting Ironman. But those numbers are being kept confidential by City of Vernon staff. "It is our strong preference that those numbers be kept confidential," said Kim Flick, Vernon's planning and building services manager. Since this is a competitive bid for Ironman, with neighbouring communities anticipated to also be bidding, Flick says details of costs will only be released if Vernon decides to submit a bid and if it is successful.