Ironman bid draws debate

By Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: September 12, 2012 1:00 AM
Bureaucratic hurdles are part of pre-Ironman training. Vernon council instructed staff Monday afternoon to prepare a bid package to host Ironman Canada. But a decision on submitting the proposal to Ironman’s parent company won’t be made until Sept. 21. “There are still some gaps we need to fill in,” said Coun. Brian Quiring. Among the issues staff has been asked to look at are finding a major sponsor, bringing regional jurisdictions on board, developing a budget and how to recruit upwards of 4,000 volunteers. “There’s a short period of time (submission deadline is Sept. 24) and a comprehensive bid needs to be put together,” said Quiring. But support for seeking the international event certainly exists. “I’d like us to proceed on a request for proposals even if we can’t find a local sponsor in 10 days,” said Coun. Mary-Jo O’Keefe. The potential economic impact to the host community is $10 to $15 million a year, with many of the benefits coming in the hospitality sector. However, the host community is responsible for a number of items including public works, policing, road services, lifeguards, medical services, waste management and security. A staff report says the minimum budget obligation is about $400,000 a year. Coun. Bob Spiers questions some of the information provided by Ironman’s parent company. “We don’t have 200 police officers within 1,000 miles of this place. Even if we did have 200 officers, that is $130,000 minimum,” he said. There are also questions as to why Penticton severed its ties with Ironman after 30 years. “There had to have been some significant issues for them to go away from Ironman,” said Coun. Juliette Cunningham. Ironman in Vernon could also be held at the same time as a new event in Penticton, which could impact the availability of athletes and volunteers. As part of discussions Monday, council heard from local running enthusiasts. “We have everything it takes to put this on,” said Melissa Spooner, an Ironman champion. “This is a once in a lifetime opportunity. Vernon needs this, Vernon wants this.” Support for the bid also came from Ingrid Dilschneider, director of sales and marketing at Predator Ridge Resort. “It will have a positive economic impact on Vernon. Vernon needs a win and we believe this is a win,” she said.