Vernon racing to end Kin track dispute

by Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star posted Feb 4, 2015 at 1:00 AM
Vernon politicians want to stop ongoing legal action dead in its tracks. During a strategic planning session Monday, city council indicated that it wants the conflict with the Okanagan Equestrian Society over Kin Race Track wrapped up by the end of 2015. “We need to hit it head on,” said Coun. Juliette Cunningham, adding that there is a plan for other recreational activities to take place on the site long-term. “We may need to back it up with legal (resources).” The society has been pursuing legal action against the city and the Regional District of North Okanagan to use the property since a 2010 eviction. It insists that previous agreements called for the site to be used for equestrian sports. RDNO recently transferred its ownership of part of the property to the city so the city is left responsible for the legal process. Mayor Akbal Mund recently held some discussions with society representatives. “We’re going to meet once a month to see where they are (with resolving the matter),” he said. Another contentious issue that arose during the planning session was the future location of a proposed new art gallery and museum. Coun. Brian Quiring challenged a long-standing city policy that a new art gallery be constructed on 31st Avenue and the museum be expanded at its existing site. He says it’s time to revisit the concept of having both cultural amenities under one roof. “Maybe it means putting the art gallery and museum on it (Coldstream Hotel site) with three floors of residential above.” Mund says the art gallery and museum have had to wait too long for elected officials to proceed with plans for new facilities. “We need to move on a decision so they know where they are,” he said. Quiring also expressed concerns about the handling of city-owned property downtown. “They are the most prime properties downtown,” he said, adding that restrictive policies, such as demanding just a mix of retail and residential space, is scaring developers off. “Our prescriptions for those properties don’t prove out. If we sell the property, we get a building, we get taxes and things start rocking and rolling.” Quiring wants the city to take a lead role when it comes to downtown revitalization and to establish an inventory of vacant buildings that can be handed out to investors and developers. “We have the capacity to do that in our organization. Let’s find a way to help those people,” he said. “We have to look like we’re trying to help with the problem.” A report based on the strategic planning process will be presented to council by city staff Feb. 23.