Vernon council needs more information before deciding if it will make a bid for the Ironman Canada event. Council decided to go in-camera to discuss financial implications of hosting the race after getting a staff report this morning. Council also heard from resident and business person Melissa Spooner, who urged council to bid on it, calling it a once in a lifetime opportunity. Councillor Bob Spiers was concerned about up to $400,000 in annual costs to the city, and a request by organizers for up to 200 police officers for security, a number he says Vernon doesn't have. He also said he doesn't trust the estimated economic spinoff of 10 to 15 million dollars. Councillor Juliette Cunningham also needed to know more financial details, wondering why Penticton would leave the event after 30 years. "There had to be some significant reasons." City economic development manager Kevin Poole told council, there's a variety of different 'rumours' as to why Penticton severed ties with Ironman, one that it was due to Ironman upping the marketing fee (reportedly from from $30,000, to $75,000) but he added they really haven't been able to get an accurate reason. There's also concerns Ironman and Penticton's new Challenge event will be held on the same day next year, creating a competition for volunteers and athletes. Between 2,500 and 4,000 volunteers would be needed for Ironman. Councillor Brian Quiring was all for making a bid, saying even if the city only got its investment back, it would be fantastic for the community. He made a motion to support the bid, but it died on the table as there wasn't a seconder. Council will announce the outcome of its behind-closed-doors debate later today.
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Council To Decide On Ironman Bid Sept 21
Written by Peter McIntyre 107.5 KISSFM Monday, 10 September 2012 18:25
Vernon council has put off a decision on potentially bidding to host Ironman Canada until September 21st. Councillor Brian Quiring says that will give city staff time to find out if there's adequate support. "It's subject to securing at least one major (local) corporate sponsor, not including the major Canadain sponsor to the Ironman series. Completing a proposed budget including funding sources. That was the big one. We just need to get a handle on what it's going to cost us." The city also wants to make sure there's enough interest to get up to 4-thousand volunteers, and that there's regional government support. Quiring says there's enough time to get all that information in time for a special meeting of council September 21st. "There is because we've had a lot of interest so far from corporate sponsors." Organizers of the race are looking for a five year commitment, and several other BC cities are also considering a bid. The deadline for proposals is September 24th.
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