O’Keefe a factor in resolving Kin track dispute

Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star  Published: January 20, 2012 1:00 AM 
Ending a legal fight between horse racing enthusiasts and taxpayers could involve O’Keefe Ranch. Regional District of North Okanagan directors were told Wednesday there will be a Feb. 9 meeting with the O’Keefe Ranch society and the topic is Kin Race Track.  “Maybe the Okanagan Equestrian Society has something in common with O’Keefe Ranch from an agricultural perspective,” said Trafford Hall, RDNO administrator, who wouldn’t comment on whether the track may relocate to the ranch in Spallumcheen.  RDNO and  the City of Vernon, which both own Kin Race Track, have been involved in legal action with the Okanagan Equestrian Society since the society was evicted from the property in 2010. The society, which organizes Vernon Racing Days, claims equestrian activities were guaranteed when most of the track was turned over to the city in 1964 for free. The society also alleges the regional district ignored an agreement for lease renewals. NORD wants to use the 43rd Avenue site for other activities, including possibly sports fields, two arenas, a BMX track,  a gymnastics facility and trails. Hall says the current goal is to end legal proceedings and a proposal has been developed by RDNO, the city and the equestrian society. “This seems to be a solvable issue through talk,”  he said. “We have an alternative that we think is worthwhile.” Also reluctant to provide details is Ed Woolley, Okanagan Equestrian Society president. “We’re still in mediation and we have made some progress,” he said. “We have taken some steps that are promising. They may be steps to get both sides out of litigation. There are a number of possibilities ranging from staying where we are to looking at other locations.”
O’Keefe Ranch is owned by the City of Vernon.