Arena up to voters

by Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star posted Jul 19, 2015 at 1:00 AM
It’s anticipated Greater Vernon residents will go to the polls this fall on a new arena. Behind-the-scenes efforts are progressing on replacing Civic Arena as an ice sheet with the twinning of Kal Tire Place. “We’re at the stage where the city has costed out a proposal and the four parties (jurisdictions) have agreed to a referendum in the fall,” said Bob Fleming, BX-Swan Lake director. The Regional District of North Okanagan had hoped to hold a borrowing referendum in November 2014 but the provincial government blocked that process because Kal Tire Place is owned by the City of Vernon. To satisfy ministry guidelines, the new strategy is for the regional district to borrow the funds and own the new ice sheet. A long-term lease would place it in the hands of the city. “We can have the city manage it and make the operational decisions,” said Jim Garlick, Coldstream director. However, a firm date for a referendum still hasn’t been set because of an outstanding hurdle. “We are still working on getting approval from the ministry,” said Garlick. It’s been decided to pursue a new ice sheet because Civic Arena is 78 years old and significant upgrades are required. “We could put more money into it but there’s a question of how much for how long?” said Fleming. “The money could be spent on a new facility.” If the borrowing referendum proceeds for possibly up to $13 million, Fleming admits residents will have to be convinced of the need for a new arena and the benefits to the community. “It will take some work to pass this one,” he said.
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posted Jul 19, 2015 at 1:00 AM Vernon Morningstar:
It appears that Greater Vernon residents will be heading to the polls. The Regional District of North Okanagan is proceeding with a process that would see voters in Vernon, Coldstream and the two electoral areas decide this fall if funds — possibly $13 million — should be borrowed to add a second ice sheet to Kal Tire Place. However, given the fiasco that was last year’s failed water plan referendum, hopefully RDNO staff and politicians are putting together a game plan that gives the arena vote a fighting chance of being successful. That process must not just include providing basic details such as the financial impact of borrowing on the average tax bill, but why a new arena is required given the current condition of 78-year-old Civic Arena and the ongoing demand for ice time, whether it’s for youth or oldtimers. The economic development argument will also have to be put forward as hockey tournaments bolster tourism and a twin facility is attractive for trade shows and other special events. Critical to the referendum will be RDNO bringing together the various user groups who will benefit from a new facility and ensuring that their members and supporters come out in full force on voting day. Officials admit that putting a borrowing referendum before residents creates some uncertainty, not only because of the water vote but also construction of the sports track which has gone completely over budget. But despite those two recent cases, there is no reason that an arena referendum can’t be successful if the regional district brings the Greater Vernon community on board.