Kin Race Track battle in limbo

By Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: February 21, 2013 7:00 AM

A long-standing court case is on hold.  The Regional District of North Okanagan revealed Wednesday that the legal fight over Kin Race Track is on hold indefinitely. Those terms have been agreed to by RDNO, the City of Vernon and the Okanagan Equestrian Society. "It can be resurrected at any time by any of the parties," said Trafford Hall, RDNO administrator. Hall says RDNO and the city decided to back off the Kin track issue because they are preoccupied with other matters. The Okanagan Equestrian Society will be able to hold races at the track this summer. 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. RDNO wants to use the 43rd Avenue site for other activities, including possibly sports fields, two arenas, a BMX track,  a gymnastics facility and trails. Look for more details in Friday's Morning Star.