Arena conflict resolved with Vernon Farmers Market

by Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star posted Oct 30, 2015 at 4:00 PM
It appears that a major stumbling block towards a new arena has been overcome. The Vernon Farmers Market board says it has a commitment from City of Vernon officials that the market can remain at Kal Tire Place during possible construction of a new ice sheet. "It has always been our belief that we could work with city officials in finding a solution and we will make it work," states the VFM board in a release. City officials had previously stated that the market would have to relocate if Greater Vernon voters agree Nov. 28 to borrow funds for a new arena. Market representatives, though, had stated that there were no other suitable locations and a move fro Kal Tire Place's parking lot would disrupt its operations. "Right from the start, we said that we didn’t want to debate the merits of whether we need another arena or not. That will be up to the voters to decide," states VFM. "But it is our board's interest to secure a suitable location for the farmers market we have achieved this." Coun. Catherine Lord and Mayor Akbal Mund met with the VFM board Friday. "We will keep working with them to minimize the impact (of construction)," said Lord. "They think they can make it work, it's their market." In terms of a long-term site if a new arena is constructed, Lord says the adjacent Kin Race Track may become available if legal action with the Okanagan Equestrian Society is resolved.