Arena Vote Decision Appealed

Written by Peter McIntyre 107.5 KISSFM Thursday, 30 October 2014 12:00
Local government is appealing the province's decision not to allow an arena referendum in Greater Vernon. Earlier this month, BC's Inspector of Municipalities rejected a vote planned for November 15, over concerns the Regional District of North Okanagan wanted to borrow funds to add a second ice sheet at Kal Tire Place, a facility owned by the city of Vernon. RDNO administrator David Sewell says they will appeal to the Minister of Community Development.  "Under the local government act, the inspector has to approve a bylaw, and if you are not happy with that decision, we can appeal to the minister, and that's what we're doing," Sewell tells Kiss FM. There's no indication how long the appeal could take. "It is in the minister's hands, but there's no guideline for timing," says Sewell. Greater Vernon Advisory directors have agreed to move towards holding an arena referendum by next spring, to replace the 77 year old Civic Arena. If the appeal is not successful, GVAC directors are siding with an option where the regional district would create a service to undertake a borrowing referendum, and if it passes, RDNO would lease the arena to the city of Vernon, which would be in care and control of the facility. The scope of the project, originally set for up to $13 million for a 400 seat ice sheet at the north end of Kal Tire Place, would be discussed again by GVAC directors.