Ready for referendum

by Kate Bouey CASTANET - Oct 23, 2015 / 5:00 am

There is great excitement among user groups in Vernon desperate for a new ice rink in the region. A referendum will be held Nov. 28 on whether $13.2 million should be borrowed for the twinning of Kal Tire Place. “It's definitely something that we need,” said Kara Blaizek, president of the Greater Vernon Minor Hockey Association. “We all know that the Civic Arena could fail at any day, and that would be a huge loss to our community.” The president of the Vernon Figure Skating Club, Carrie Greene, has similar sentiments. “It has been determined that it is too costly to repair and maintain the Civic,' she said. “It's only a matter of time until something breaks down and all skating groups will be struggling to maintain the ice required for our programs.” “As Vernon and area grows, so should its recreation facilities,” Greene said Thursday. User groups, including minor hockey, figure skating, lacrosse, ringette and curling, have formed an advocacy group. Blaizek said this group will work over the next month to convince people to vote in favour of borrowing the money. “We want to make sure they are aware of all the facts about the Civic Arena, about what the twinning of Kal Tire Place will do for the community, how it can bring in revenue by all the extra things that go on as well,” said Blaizek, pointing to big trade shows, craft fairs and bonspiels. “To have two ice sheets together, side by side, it will actually lower the operating costs of the facilities,” she added. “I truly believe it would cost more money to make (the Civic) stand tall for another 10 years than it would cost to have a new ice sheet erected which would last us 50, 60 years. Where should you put your money?” Greene said the figure skating club supports the borrowing referendum and will be encouraging its membership, past and present, to vote in favour.
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EDITORIAL: New arena generates debate
posted Oct 23, 2015 at 1:00 AMVernon MorningStar
It’s a whirlwind turnaround but Greater Vernon residents are heading to the polls.The Regional District of North Okanagan announced Wednesday that a referendum will be held Nov. 28 to borrow $13.25 million for a new arena. The tight timeline came after the provincial government finally signed off on the process after months of unnecessary delays. What this means is that in about a month, voters in Vernon, Coldstream and the two electoral areas must decide if they are willing to bump up their taxes for twinning of Kal Tire Place. The obstacle is significant given that the region’s economy still continues to struggle and many people are finding it difficult to make ends meet. Of course, there is also a concern about the growing burden on taxpayers, whether it’s the recently opened athletics park or the prospect of a new art gallery and a multi-million-dollar master water plan.However, the case can also be made that there is a need for twinning Kal Tire Place as the existing ice plant at Civic Arena is on its last legs and investing money in a building constructed in the 1930s doesn’t make sense. Minor hockey still remains very popular as does ice sports at all ages, so the demand is there. A twinned facility could also host tournaments and other events, bolstering the local economy.The challenge now is for the regional district and its community partners to properly educate the public on the issue, both the benefits of a new facility and the long-term financial obligations. This could be an uphill battle not only because of the short time period before the referendum but also the reluctance of some residents to add to their tax load.The next month will be active as information is provided and residents are urged to take sides. Keep yourself informed and make sure you have your say.