by Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star posted Apr 13, 2016 at 1:00 AM
I watch a lot of stuff on HGTV — Fixer Upper, Flip or Flop, Income Property and every incarnation of Mike Holmes. Given that I can barely hang a picture myself, I am always amazed at the seemingly natural ability these folks have to fix things. But even more surprising are the situations that can suddenly arise, throwing a monkey wrench into all of your plans. Rip open a wall and find termites, ancient wiring or duct work leading nowhere. The crawl space may show rot or a foundation with more cracks than the Republican Party. None of these things were found during the home inspection but you are now the proud owner of the mess, so you have to dig deep and move on. These reality TV scenarios came to mind after the Regional District of North Okanagan revealed that while $7.5 million was borrowed to construct the Greater Vernon Athletics Park, the final price tag came in at $8.5 million. One of the apparent reasons for the overrun was lurking under the ground. “There were areas of clay soils found that hadn’t been identified in the geotechnical analysis, resulting in a greater volume of excavation and ultimately higher costs,” said Stephen Banmen, RDNO’s general manager of finance. Yes drill holes were initially sunk to investigate soil conditions, but unless you turn the property into Swiss cheese, you are really taking a guess on what is under foot. The quality of soil can vary within a few feet. Uncertainty also arose when the 2012 cost estimates didn’t reflect what was actually happening during the tender stage and construction. The price of materials, such as concrete, can go up and down depending on regional and global trends, while the availability of building trades can also impact the bottom line. It’s a scenario that’s not unique to the athletics park. If there was one screw up, though, it was not including showers right from the get-go, particularly because we all know that athletes can be rather aromatic after doing their thing. Adding showers at the last minute not only impacted the budget, but it undermined public faith in the planning process. Juliette Cunningham, Greater Vernon Advisory Committee chairperson, says lessons will be learned from the track overruns. Fair enough, but it’s difficult to know what should happen. Possibly RDNO could ensure a project’s budget has sufficient contingency funds to absorb unexpected expenditures. The other option is that when asking the public to borrow funds, be up front that overruns are possible and provide a clear strategy for handling the extra bills. What didn’t help last week was some politicians claiming that residents were only asked to borrow $7.5 million and that didn’t reflect the total project cost. Such revisionist history is insulting to taxpayers, particularly given that pre-referendum propaganda didn’t suggest the $7.5 million was simply a down payment on the final price tag. But finances aside, we must consider the end-result. The athletics park is an extremely busy place and it will serve the needs of an active community for decades to come.
Showing posts with label OC Sports Facility. Show all posts
Showing posts with label OC Sports Facility. Show all posts
Wednesday, April 13, 2016
Thursday, April 07, 2016
Director Says Facility Cost Was Misleading
Posted on 4/7/2016 12:38 PM by Pete McIntyre 107.5 KISSFM
The cost overrun on the Greater Vernon Athletics Park will likely lead to more careful wording for future referendums. The final price tag was $8.5 million, one million more than what residents approved in a 2013 borrowing referendum. Greater Vernon Advisory Director Bob Spiers felt that was misleading, given that much of the public information before the vote indicated that 7.5 million would be the total price of the project. "The communications to the taxpayer were a little bit misleading. Most of us expected the final cost was going to be the borrowing cost, and it wasn't," Spiers told the media. Spiers says six months after it was completed, the regional district has "established" how much the project went over. He feels the extra spending could impact public support for future votes. "I was discouraged by what was put out the public, and there was substantial overages. Maybe the project should have been stopped before we went forward, if we knew about the overages." Spiers says the public relied on information in "Frequently asked questions" contained on the District's website, when they voted on the project in a 2013 referendum. Director Catherine Lord didn't feel it was misleading, adding they did stick to the amount they wanted to borrow, and used reserves and grants for the extra. Inflated construction costs and adding $340,000 showers to the project were two reasons the price grew. Director Doug Dirk says the borrowing amount and total cost are separate. "That misunderstanding needs to be taken apart. (The public) needs to know that the referendum is for the amount to be borrowed, not the project cost." Director Bob Fleming says stopping the project after it began was not an option. "I don't think we had a lot of alternatives going forward. The community will find the value is worth it." Director Jim Garlick had some advice for future referendums, given what they learned from this one. "Don't start a project with an estimate that is a few years old," said Garlick, who also suggested future projects try to include as many local companies as possible, as some of the out of town firms used on the park, was an issue. GVAC chair Juliette Cunningham noted the facility is being well used, beyond their expectations. "We have to be aware of the cost, but we also have a very good facility, and it makes us a better community," said Cunningham. RDNO Parks Planner Keith Pinkoski told the committee, the park is being used by 15 to 20 walkers and runners every morning, and the field is booked virtually every evening. The park next to Okanagan College in Coldstream, opened to the public last August.
--------------
Don Quixote Note: http://www.rdno.ca/docs/referendum_FAQ.pdf
SOME of the questions and answers of the FAQ:
Q. What does this $7.53 M include?
A. The $7.53 million dollars is to construct the facility, and includes the building, equipment and site development costs. It will provide a facility ready to operate. The cost of the land is not a part of the $7.53 M, as it has been provided by Okanagan College to the Regional District under a long‐term lease for only $1/year.
Q. How can you guarantee the people that the cost will not climb? A. The referendum is for the authority to borrow to a maximum of 7.53 M. The cost will not climb beyond that, and only what is necessary will be borrowed.
Q. What happens if we get money from grants? A. Only what is needed will be borrowed, so if money for the construction of the facility is obtained through grants or donations, the borrowing amount will be decreased.
Q. What is the annual operating deficit? A. The annual operating deficit is estimated at $40,000/year and $11,000 for maintenance of the artificial turf; however some of this cost will be recovered through facility fees that are collected from organization who book the facility for programming.
Q. What is the cost breakdown for the project?
A. Below is the cost breakdown. The biggest cost is in the artificial turf and the high‐quality synthetic track. This is an investment to increase the amount of programming time that the field can handle. The synthetic track will also be able to be used in poor weather and is required in order to host any provincial track and field events, such as the BC Seniors Games.
ITEM Design/Site Work* $2,131,000
Synthetic Turf Field $1,137,000
Sports Facility Buildings $1,305,000
Rubberized Track (MONDO) $1,705,000
Natural Field $ 50,000
Throws Sectors $ 414,000
Uncovered Seating $ 200,000
Sports Amenities $ 249,000
Landscaping $ 339,000 _
TOTAL (includes contingency) $7,530,000 *Design/Site work includes: costs associated with the design work; off‐sight works such as roadway lighting and drainag
The cost overrun on the Greater Vernon Athletics Park will likely lead to more careful wording for future referendums. The final price tag was $8.5 million, one million more than what residents approved in a 2013 borrowing referendum. Greater Vernon Advisory Director Bob Spiers felt that was misleading, given that much of the public information before the vote indicated that 7.5 million would be the total price of the project. "The communications to the taxpayer were a little bit misleading. Most of us expected the final cost was going to be the borrowing cost, and it wasn't," Spiers told the media. Spiers says six months after it was completed, the regional district has "established" how much the project went over. He feels the extra spending could impact public support for future votes. "I was discouraged by what was put out the public, and there was substantial overages. Maybe the project should have been stopped before we went forward, if we knew about the overages." Spiers says the public relied on information in "Frequently asked questions" contained on the District's website, when they voted on the project in a 2013 referendum. Director Catherine Lord didn't feel it was misleading, adding they did stick to the amount they wanted to borrow, and used reserves and grants for the extra. Inflated construction costs and adding $340,000 showers to the project were two reasons the price grew. Director Doug Dirk says the borrowing amount and total cost are separate. "That misunderstanding needs to be taken apart. (The public) needs to know that the referendum is for the amount to be borrowed, not the project cost." Director Bob Fleming says stopping the project after it began was not an option. "I don't think we had a lot of alternatives going forward. The community will find the value is worth it." Director Jim Garlick had some advice for future referendums, given what they learned from this one. "Don't start a project with an estimate that is a few years old," said Garlick, who also suggested future projects try to include as many local companies as possible, as some of the out of town firms used on the park, was an issue. GVAC chair Juliette Cunningham noted the facility is being well used, beyond their expectations. "We have to be aware of the cost, but we also have a very good facility, and it makes us a better community," said Cunningham. RDNO Parks Planner Keith Pinkoski told the committee, the park is being used by 15 to 20 walkers and runners every morning, and the field is booked virtually every evening. The park next to Okanagan College in Coldstream, opened to the public last August.
--------------
Don Quixote Note: http://www.rdno.ca/docs/referendum_FAQ.pdf
SOME of the questions and answers of the FAQ:
Q. What does this $7.53 M include?
A. The $7.53 million dollars is to construct the facility, and includes the building, equipment and site development costs. It will provide a facility ready to operate. The cost of the land is not a part of the $7.53 M, as it has been provided by Okanagan College to the Regional District under a long‐term lease for only $1/year.
Q. How can you guarantee the people that the cost will not climb? A. The referendum is for the authority to borrow to a maximum of 7.53 M. The cost will not climb beyond that, and only what is necessary will be borrowed.
Q. What happens if we get money from grants? A. Only what is needed will be borrowed, so if money for the construction of the facility is obtained through grants or donations, the borrowing amount will be decreased.
Q. What is the annual operating deficit? A. The annual operating deficit is estimated at $40,000/year and $11,000 for maintenance of the artificial turf; however some of this cost will be recovered through facility fees that are collected from organization who book the facility for programming.
Q. What is the cost breakdown for the project?
A. Below is the cost breakdown. The biggest cost is in the artificial turf and the high‐quality synthetic track. This is an investment to increase the amount of programming time that the field can handle. The synthetic track will also be able to be used in poor weather and is required in order to host any provincial track and field events, such as the BC Seniors Games.
ITEM Design/Site Work* $2,131,000
Synthetic Turf Field $1,137,000
Sports Facility Buildings $1,305,000
Rubberized Track (MONDO) $1,705,000
Natural Field $ 50,000
Throws Sectors $ 414,000
Uncovered Seating $ 200,000
Sports Amenities $ 249,000
Landscaping $ 339,000 _
TOTAL (includes contingency) $7,530,000 *Design/Site work includes: costs associated with the design work; off‐sight works such as roadway lighting and drainag
Track overrun could impact public support for other facilities
by Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star posted Apr 7, 2016 at 9:00 AM
Cost overruns at the Greater Vernon Athletics Park could cast a shadow over future public projects. The Regional District of North Okanagan has revealed that the final price tag for the running track and sports fields is $8.5 million, well above the $7.5 million originally borrowed after a referendum. Juliette Cunningham, Greater Vernon Advisory Committee chairperson, admits the situation with the athletics park may lead some residents to question finances for future amenities like twinning Kal Tire Place. “We hope to learn from that when we move ahead with other projects,” she said. “Perhaps there is a process to do more quantitative investigation of projects” Director Bob Spiers is calling for more transparency when financial figures are provided to taxpayers for constructing facilities. “We need to tell people that if there are overruns, how they will be addressed instead of saying there will be no overages,” he said, adding that there was a public assumption that the $7.5 million would cost everything. Director Catherine Lord insists the project wasn’t misrepresented to residents. “The (referendum) question was on borrowing and not the cost of the project,” she said. While $7.5 million was borrowed for the track, the budget was hiked to $8.6 million in 2015 to reflect an increase in project scope and some higher than expected costs. Seventy percent of the additional budget was drawn from reserves, with the remainder secured through grants and general revenue. “One of the issues we encountered was at the time of the initial site excavation,” said Stephen Banmen, RDNO’s general manager of finance. “There were areas of clay soils found that hadn’t been identified in the geotechnical analysis, resulting in a greater volume of excavation and ultimately higher costs.” The other factor driving impacting the price tag was an upswing in construction costs due to Okanagan market conditions. Also included in the amended budget was $340,000 to include showers. Showers were initially cut from the project to save money, but added at the last minute. “The user groups said that wasn’t practical,” said Cunningham. A $50,000 provincial grant was directed towards the showers. Director Bob Fleming isn’t concerned with the final $8.5 million cost for the track. “It’s good value for what`s up there and it is being well used,” he said. Organized sports are using the facility as are local residents. “Lots of walkers and runners are taking advantage of the low impact surface and beautiful location,” said Cunningham.
Cost overruns at the Greater Vernon Athletics Park could cast a shadow over future public projects. The Regional District of North Okanagan has revealed that the final price tag for the running track and sports fields is $8.5 million, well above the $7.5 million originally borrowed after a referendum. Juliette Cunningham, Greater Vernon Advisory Committee chairperson, admits the situation with the athletics park may lead some residents to question finances for future amenities like twinning Kal Tire Place. “We hope to learn from that when we move ahead with other projects,” she said. “Perhaps there is a process to do more quantitative investigation of projects” Director Bob Spiers is calling for more transparency when financial figures are provided to taxpayers for constructing facilities. “We need to tell people that if there are overruns, how they will be addressed instead of saying there will be no overages,” he said, adding that there was a public assumption that the $7.5 million would cost everything. Director Catherine Lord insists the project wasn’t misrepresented to residents. “The (referendum) question was on borrowing and not the cost of the project,” she said. While $7.5 million was borrowed for the track, the budget was hiked to $8.6 million in 2015 to reflect an increase in project scope and some higher than expected costs. Seventy percent of the additional budget was drawn from reserves, with the remainder secured through grants and general revenue. “One of the issues we encountered was at the time of the initial site excavation,” said Stephen Banmen, RDNO’s general manager of finance. “There were areas of clay soils found that hadn’t been identified in the geotechnical analysis, resulting in a greater volume of excavation and ultimately higher costs.” The other factor driving impacting the price tag was an upswing in construction costs due to Okanagan market conditions. Also included in the amended budget was $340,000 to include showers. Showers were initially cut from the project to save money, but added at the last minute. “The user groups said that wasn’t practical,” said Cunningham. A $50,000 provincial grant was directed towards the showers. Director Bob Fleming isn’t concerned with the final $8.5 million cost for the track. “It’s good value for what`s up there and it is being well used,” he said. Organized sports are using the facility as are local residents. “Lots of walkers and runners are taking advantage of the low impact surface and beautiful location,” said Cunningham.
Wednesday, April 06, 2016
Track price tag revealed
by Kate Bouey - CASTANET Apr 6, 2016 / 3:22 pm
The cost of the Greater Vernon Athletics Park, next to Okanagan College's Vernon campus, has been revealed. While the price is more than $1 million over the original estimate, it is slightly below the amended budget, according to staff at the North Okanagan Regional District. “The final cost of the facility was $8,588,316,” said Stephen Banmen, NORD's general manager of finance. “The amended budget was $8,605,000.” A 2013 referendum gave NORD approval to borrow $7.53 million for the project which then suffered cost overruns. In 2015, a further $735,000 was added to the budget. Later that year, another $340,000 was added so that showers could be added to the change rooms. The huge increase in the cost of the track project has been blamed on the “dramatic cost escalation in market conditions for building construction” as well as the unanticipated excavation of poor soils from the north-east corner of property not identified during the original geotechnical analysis and related costs. Banmen also said debt issue costs of $120,480 were not factored into the budget. “The project was tendered in stages over 2013 to 2015. In the end, seven major tenders and requests for proposals were awarded for the main components of the project, including design, site grading, civil work, running track, artificial turf field, amenities building and bleachers.” Some minor work on the site still continues. Due to “a couple of deficiencies” related to the civil works and the running track contracts, the district is holding on to $118,000. The running track and sports field officially opened to the public last September.
The cost of the Greater Vernon Athletics Park, next to Okanagan College's Vernon campus, has been revealed. While the price is more than $1 million over the original estimate, it is slightly below the amended budget, according to staff at the North Okanagan Regional District. “The final cost of the facility was $8,588,316,” said Stephen Banmen, NORD's general manager of finance. “The amended budget was $8,605,000.” A 2013 referendum gave NORD approval to borrow $7.53 million for the project which then suffered cost overruns. In 2015, a further $735,000 was added to the budget. Later that year, another $340,000 was added so that showers could be added to the change rooms. The huge increase in the cost of the track project has been blamed on the “dramatic cost escalation in market conditions for building construction” as well as the unanticipated excavation of poor soils from the north-east corner of property not identified during the original geotechnical analysis and related costs. Banmen also said debt issue costs of $120,480 were not factored into the budget. “The project was tendered in stages over 2013 to 2015. In the end, seven major tenders and requests for proposals were awarded for the main components of the project, including design, site grading, civil work, running track, artificial turf field, amenities building and bleachers.” Some minor work on the site still continues. Due to “a couple of deficiencies” related to the civil works and the running track contracts, the district is holding on to $118,000. The running track and sports field officially opened to the public last September.
Greater Vernon Athletics Park – Construction Cost Summary on GVAC Agenda Thursday, April 7, 2016 8:00 am
http://www.rdno.ca/agendas/160407_AMD_AGN_GVAC_Full.pdf
3. Greater Vernon Athletics Park – Construction Cost Summary - Staff report dated April 7, 2016 RECOMMENDATION 5 Page 15 That the report dated April 7, 2016 from the General Manager, Finance titled, “Greater Vernon Athletics Park Construction Cost Summary” be received for information.
Excerpts from Report:
3. Greater Vernon Athletics Park – Construction Cost Summary - Staff report dated April 7, 2016 RECOMMENDATION 5 Page 15 That the report dated April 7, 2016 from the General Manager, Finance titled, “Greater Vernon Athletics Park Construction Cost Summary” be received for information.
Excerpts from Report:
Tuesday, April 05, 2016
Athletics Park Price Tag Finalized Posted on 4/5/2016 6:02 AM
by Pete McIntyre 107.5 KISSFM
The final price tag for the Greater Vernon Athletics Park will be revealed this week. A staff report on the facility that opened last fall next to Okanagan College, will be released at Thursday's Greater Vernon Advisory Committee meeting. GVAC chair Juliette Cunningham hasn't received the final figure yet, but says they already know the price went over the 7.5 million dollar budget approved in a 2013 referendum. "We had to dip into some reserves to finish the project, rather than waiting for dressing rooms in the future. It just made sense that we went ahead," Cunningham tells Kiss FM. Cunningham says they tried hard to keep the project on budget, but sometimes that's not always possible. "When we are doing projects around our homes, we always under estimate. It's just a reality. I think we tried very hard to get it on budget, or under budget." Cunningham says she's been very pleased with the amount of use the track and field facility has been getting since opening last fall. "Right from when the snow was off the track, we've had a few people using it every day, so it's being used by the greater community."
------------------
http://vernonblog.blogspot.ca/2015/09/greater-vernon-athletics-park.html
The $7.5 million for the Greater Vernon Athletics Park was borrowed at the 2015 Spring Borrowing rate. (2.20% for first 10 years) Using the attached amortization schedule the Principal payment each year will be $265,208 plus 2 interest payments of $82,500. (Total $430,208 each year for 20 years).
The final bill(Cost) for the Athletics Park will be produced in early 2016. Any cost above the $7.5 million will be funded from existing reserves.
Operating costs (estimated originally at $55,000 per year ) will be known as part of the 2016 GVAC budget.
=========
------------------
http://vernonblog.blogspot.ca/2015/09/greater-vernon-athletics-park.html
The $7.5 million for the Greater Vernon Athletics Park was borrowed at the 2015 Spring Borrowing rate. (2.20% for first 10 years) Using the attached amortization schedule the Principal payment each year will be $265,208 plus 2 interest payments of $82,500. (Total $430,208 each year for 20 years).
The final bill(Cost) for the Athletics Park will be produced in early 2016. Any cost above the $7.5 million will be funded from existing reserves.
Operating costs (estimated originally at $55,000 per year ) will be known as part of the 2016 GVAC budget.
Wednesday, March 09, 2016
Track cost still a mystery
by Kate Bouey - CASTANET Mar 9, 2016 / 4:25 pm
The final cost of the Greater Vernon Athletics Park is expected to be revealed next month. “We have been working with the general contractor to complete a couple of minor deficiencies before we reported out on the final cost of the project,” Stephen Banmen, the North Okanagan Regional District's finance manager said this week. Banmen said either NORD's board of directors or the Greater Vernon Advisory Committee would be given the final cost in April. The athletics facility, situated beside Vernon's Okanagan College campus, opened last September. It was budgeted at $7.5 million. An additional $340,000 was reported to have been taken out of reserves due to cost overruns, but the final tally is not yet known. “We should have known that a long time ago,” said Barry Beardsell, former Vernon city councillor and well-known financial watchdog. “What we do know is they cut down the size of the building (housing change rooms) significantly. The building costs are out of this world compared to the estimates they had originally.” One thing is certain, and that is the track is a hit and already fully booked by sports groups in the Greater Vernon area, including the Vernon Triple A track and field club and soccer groups, said Tannis Nelson, NORD's community development co-ordinator. “We're seeing the park highly used,” said Nelson. “We already have bookings from the school district for their zone and district track meet, which is exciting. I know they have expressed enthusiasm at not having to drag out their equipment.” The track helped the region's bid for the 55+ BC Games, which will take place in Vernon in September 2017. “That facility really was the crux of why we were successful in our bid to host those Games."
--------------
The final cost of the Greater Vernon Athletics Park is expected to be revealed next month. “We have been working with the general contractor to complete a couple of minor deficiencies before we reported out on the final cost of the project,” Stephen Banmen, the North Okanagan Regional District's finance manager said this week. Banmen said either NORD's board of directors or the Greater Vernon Advisory Committee would be given the final cost in April. The athletics facility, situated beside Vernon's Okanagan College campus, opened last September. It was budgeted at $7.5 million. An additional $340,000 was reported to have been taken out of reserves due to cost overruns, but the final tally is not yet known. “We should have known that a long time ago,” said Barry Beardsell, former Vernon city councillor and well-known financial watchdog. “What we do know is they cut down the size of the building (housing change rooms) significantly. The building costs are out of this world compared to the estimates they had originally.” One thing is certain, and that is the track is a hit and already fully booked by sports groups in the Greater Vernon area, including the Vernon Triple A track and field club and soccer groups, said Tannis Nelson, NORD's community development co-ordinator. “We're seeing the park highly used,” said Nelson. “We already have bookings from the school district for their zone and district track meet, which is exciting. I know they have expressed enthusiasm at not having to drag out their equipment.” The track helped the region's bid for the 55+ BC Games, which will take place in Vernon in September 2017. “That facility really was the crux of why we were successful in our bid to host those Games."
--------------
Monday, November 30, 2015
Wednesday, October 28, 2015
Friday, September 25, 2015
Greater Vernon Expected To Land Games
Posted on 9/25/2015 by Pete McIntyre 107.5 KISSFM
Greater Vernon looks like it will get some good news this weekend. The BC government is expected to announce the area will host an upcoming BC 55 Plus Games. The official announcement will be Saturday at the opening of the new Greater Vernon Athletics Park at noon. MLA Eric Foster will be on hand to make what is called a special announcement. The Greater Vernon Advisory Committee made a bid earlier this year to host the event for either 2017, 2018 or 2019. The five day event involves about 35-hundred participants in more than 20 activities. An announcement is also planned for Kelowna Saturday, expected to be that city also securing the same event in a different year. Tannis Nelson from the Regional District of North Okanagan says events in the park run from 9 am to 9 pm Saturday. "We've got lots of fun activities planned for the day. We've got about 30 organizations and clubs coming out to join us, so it should be great." The facility features natural turf and artificial turf fields, a 400 metre running track and other track and field facilities. The province announced this week it's providing 50-thousand dollars toward the showers in the change rooms. The final bill for the new facility likely won't be known until new year. Greater Vernon voters approved borrowing up to $7.5 million for the complex in a referendum in April 2013.
Monday, September 21, 2015
Greater Vernon Athletics Park
The $7.5 million for the Greater Vernon Athletics Park was borrowed at the 2015 Spring Borrowing rate. (2.20% for first 10 years) Using the attached amortization schedule the Principal payment each year will be $265,208 plus 2 interest payments of $82,500. (Total $430,208 each year for 20 years).
The final bill(Cost) for the Athletics Park will be produced in early 2016. Any cost above the $7.5 million will be funded from existing reserves.
Operating costs (estimated originally at $55,000 per year ) will be known as part of the 2016 GVAC budget.
----------------------
The final bill(Cost) for the Athletics Park will be produced in early 2016. Any cost above the $7.5 million will be funded from existing reserves.
Operating costs (estimated originally at $55,000 per year ) will be known as part of the 2016 GVAC budget.
----------------------
 |
| http://mfa.bc.ca/resources/tools |
Friday, September 18, 2015
Politicians await track cost
by Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star posted Sep 18, 2015 at 1:00 AM
It will be some time before the final cost of the Greater Vernon Athletics Park is known. Some Regional District of North Okanagan directors are asking for a financial accounting, but that may not be possible until early 2016. “They (construction crews) are still working on the project and it’s not done yet,” director Bob Fleming told his board colleagues Wednesday. “It will be a while before all of the bills are in.” Voters agreed in 2013 to borrow $7.5 million for the project, but there have been some cost overruns since then. Final figures may be partially delayed as some warranty work and construction deficiencies are being pursued by the regional district. The facility next to Okanagan College is now being used by the public, but the ribbon-cutting takes place Saturday, Sept. 26. “It’s an all-day event,” said Tannis Nelson, community development co-ordinator. Festivities will run from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., with the official ceremony at noon. “There will be a bunch of activities from sports organizations and some organizations will have registration information on site,” said Nelson.
It will be some time before the final cost of the Greater Vernon Athletics Park is known. Some Regional District of North Okanagan directors are asking for a financial accounting, but that may not be possible until early 2016. “They (construction crews) are still working on the project and it’s not done yet,” director Bob Fleming told his board colleagues Wednesday. “It will be a while before all of the bills are in.” Voters agreed in 2013 to borrow $7.5 million for the project, but there have been some cost overruns since then. Final figures may be partially delayed as some warranty work and construction deficiencies are being pursued by the regional district. The facility next to Okanagan College is now being used by the public, but the ribbon-cutting takes place Saturday, Sept. 26. “It’s an all-day event,” said Tannis Nelson, community development co-ordinator. Festivities will run from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., with the official ceremony at noon. “There will be a bunch of activities from sports organizations and some organizations will have registration information on site,” said Nelson.
Tuesday, August 25, 2015
Soft Opening For Athletics Park
Posted on 8/25/2015 by Pete McIntyre 107.5 KISSFM
The public is invited to try out the new Greater Vernon Athletics Park. A soft opening for the track and artificial turf field next to Okanagan College, starting at 10 Friday morning. Volunteers will be at the park from 10 am to 7 pm to welcome visitors and answer any questions. The track and artificial turf field will become available for use by the public after Friday with those areas open for use from dawn until dusk every day. Use of the facility is free of charge, unless it is booked for exclusive use through the Recreation Centre. The change-rooms and rest of the facility will be completed in time for the grand opening event, on Saturday September 26th. The $7.5 million dollar venue was approved by voters in April 2013 in a Greater Vernon referendum, and ran into cost overruns. The final bill will be released later this year.
Thursday, August 13, 2015
New track almost ready
by Darren Handschuh CASTANET- Aug 13, 2015 / 5:00 am
While the official opening of the new community sports field and athletic facility is still a few weeks away, people will be able to check it out sooner than that. Tannis Nelson, community development co-ordinator with the Regional District North Okanagan, said an official opening is planned for later in September, but a soft opening will happen much sooner at the facility, located next to the Kalamalka Campus of Okanagan College. “They are just finishing the lines on the synthetic track. We are hoping for a soft opening as soon as the lines are completed,” said Nelson, adding construction of the buildings is also near completion. The soft opening will give people a chance to try out the $7.5 million facility. “We're going to have an informal 'try the track day,'” said Nelson, adding an exact date is not yet known. “It's looking great. People are keen to get out there and try it.” Once open, the facility will be available for the general public to use, free of charge. Rental fees will only apply when the facility is being booked for special events or programming. Consistent with other Greater Vernon parks, the facility can be booked through the recreation centre.“We realize people are excited to get out there and start using the track and field, which is why we will be opening them up to the public as soon as they are ready to go” says Regional District of North Okanagan director Bob Fleming.
The project includes:
- a high-quality, regulation sized synthetic track, which will have a long life and meet all International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF) requirements;
- one regulation-sized synthetic turf field, appropriate for football, soccer, rugby, lacrosse and field hockey;
- one natural turf field;
- seating for four-hundred spectators;
- four change rooms, showers and washroom facilities;
- a classroom and meeting room
The project includes:
- a high-quality, regulation sized synthetic track, which will have a long life and meet all International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF) requirements;
- one regulation-sized synthetic turf field, appropriate for football, soccer, rugby, lacrosse and field hockey;
- one natural turf field;
- seating for four-hundred spectators;
- four change rooms, showers and washroom facilities;
- a classroom and meeting room
Thursday, July 09, 2015
Sports Facility Gets A Name
Posted on 7/9/2015 by Pete McIntyre 107.5 KISSFM
Greater Vernon's newest sports facility now has a name -- but it could change in the future. The fields and running track next to Okanagan College will be called 'Greater Vernon Athletics Park,' as approved today by the Greater Vernon Advisory Committee. Director Doug Dirk says it will be the interim name. "The opportunity is to have the naming rights available to business or sponsors and I think through our experience at Kal Tire Place that's a very possible and viable option." Dirk says the board should look at all forms of income for the facility which was budgeted at 7.5 million dollars, but will cost well over 8 million dollars once completed later this summer. GVAC chair Juliette Cunningham says the name reflects that local residents are footing the bill for the venue. "But on the other hand, I think our taxpayers might appreciate the opportunity to gain some revenue if we were to find other sponsors that will attach their name to the facility." Certain parts of the facility -- like the running track or the fields --could also sponsored. Director Bob Spiers likes that they left the option open to rename it. "It's a good idea we can get more money and reduce the costs to the taxpayer." The complex is expected to open for public use later this month, with a grand opening likely in September.
Greater Vernon's newest sports facility now has a name -- but it could change in the future. The fields and running track next to Okanagan College will be called 'Greater Vernon Athletics Park,' as approved today by the Greater Vernon Advisory Committee. Director Doug Dirk says it will be the interim name. "The opportunity is to have the naming rights available to business or sponsors and I think through our experience at Kal Tire Place that's a very possible and viable option." Dirk says the board should look at all forms of income for the facility which was budgeted at 7.5 million dollars, but will cost well over 8 million dollars once completed later this summer. GVAC chair Juliette Cunningham says the name reflects that local residents are footing the bill for the venue. "But on the other hand, I think our taxpayers might appreciate the opportunity to gain some revenue if we were to find other sponsors that will attach their name to the facility." Certain parts of the facility -- like the running track or the fields --could also sponsored. Director Bob Spiers likes that they left the option open to rename it. "It's a good idea we can get more money and reduce the costs to the taxpayer." The complex is expected to open for public use later this month, with a grand opening likely in September.
Wednesday, July 08, 2015
Community name on track
by Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star posted Jul 8, 2015 at 1:00 AM
Taxpayers are footing the bill so they get naming rights for a new sports facility. Greater Vernon Advisory Committee staff are recommending Thursday that directors name the track and fields next to the college Greater Vernon Athletics Park. “Because of the public contribution (borrowing funds), the decision was made to recognize that contribution through a community name,” said Tannis Nelson, community development co-ordinator. It was decided not to seek a corporate sponsor for the entire facility name, but naming rights are available for the track oval, the fields, the concession and the meeting room. “You could have ABC Field at the Greater Vernon Athletics Park,” said Nelson. “We’ve had some interest but there’s nothing solid yet.” Any revenue from name sponsorship would help cover expenses related to the facility. The synthetic track surface is currently being installed at the facility and it will be available to the public at the end of July. Residents will be able to use the facility for free and rental fees will apply when it’s being booked for special events or programs. A timeline for use of the grass field and the washroom building has not been determined yet.
Taxpayers are footing the bill so they get naming rights for a new sports facility. Greater Vernon Advisory Committee staff are recommending Thursday that directors name the track and fields next to the college Greater Vernon Athletics Park. “Because of the public contribution (borrowing funds), the decision was made to recognize that contribution through a community name,” said Tannis Nelson, community development co-ordinator. It was decided not to seek a corporate sponsor for the entire facility name, but naming rights are available for the track oval, the fields, the concession and the meeting room. “You could have ABC Field at the Greater Vernon Athletics Park,” said Nelson. “We’ve had some interest but there’s nothing solid yet.” Any revenue from name sponsorship would help cover expenses related to the facility. The synthetic track surface is currently being installed at the facility and it will be available to the public at the end of July. Residents will be able to use the facility for free and rental fees will apply when it’s being booked for special events or programs. A timeline for use of the grass field and the washroom building has not been determined yet.
Monday, July 06, 2015
New track on track
by Darren Handschuh CASTANET- Jul 6, 2015 / 5:00 am
With the International Association of Athletics Federations-compliant, synthetic track surface being installed, the Greater Vernon Community Sports Facility is getting closer to being ready for people to lace up and give the multi-million facility a try. “The black underlay for the track is now down and the contractors will be starting to install the low-impact surface shortly, which they will complete over three or four weeks”, says Keith Pinkoski, parks manager. The public will be welcomed into the facility, in a limited capacity, at the end of July. “We realize people are excited to get out there and start using the track and field, which is why we will be opening them up to the public as soon as they are ready to go” says Regional District of North Okangan director Bob Fleming. The remainder of the facility, including the building, will be completed in time for the grand opening event, to be held at the end of September. In response to community feedback, showers have been added to the building and although the building expansion has pushed backed the completion date, it will be finished in time to accommodate users during the high-use season, starting in mid to late September. Once open, the facility will be available for the general public to use, free of charge. Rental fees will only apply when the facility is being booked for special events or programming. Consistent with other Greater Vernon parks, the facility can be booked through the recreation centre. “The facility is going to be a real community asset,” says Fleming, “I am really looking forward to seeing it be well used.” The track and field are located next the Kalamalka Campus of Okanagan College.
The project includes:
-a high-quality, regulation sized synthetic track, which will have a long life and meet all International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF) requirements;
-one regulation-sized synthetic turf field, appropriate for football, soccer, rugby, lacrosse and field hockey;
-one natural turf field;
-seating for four-hundred spectators;
-four change rooms, showers and washroom facilities;
-classroom and meeting room
In a referendum on April 6, 2013 Vernon voters endorsed the plan to borrow $7.5 million over 20 years to pay for the facility.
The project includes:
-a high-quality, regulation sized synthetic track, which will have a long life and meet all International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF) requirements;
-one regulation-sized synthetic turf field, appropriate for football, soccer, rugby, lacrosse and field hockey;
-one natural turf field;
-seating for four-hundred spectators;
-four change rooms, showers and washroom facilities;
-classroom and meeting room
In a referendum on April 6, 2013 Vernon voters endorsed the plan to borrow $7.5 million over 20 years to pay for the facility.
Friday, July 03, 2015
EDITORIAL: Track process less than ideal
posted Jul 3, 2015 at 1:00 AM Morning Star:
There will be some excited about the news that Greater Vernon’s new sports facility will partially be open by late July. But for others, it will be no different than pouring salt into an open wound. Many residents didn’t support construction of the track and fields next to the college right from the get-go, and among those that did, there is likely some frustration over how the project has progressed. After all, the original plan called for the facility to be completed by the end of 2014, except for some landscaping, as part of a land use agreement with the Agricultural Land Commission. However, here we are at July 3, and the black underlay for the track is just down, and the contractors will soon be installing the low-impact surface. On top of this, completion is further delayed because of the last-minute decision by the Regional District of North Okanagan to install showers in the washrooms. Showers were originally scrapped from the design to save some cash, but the public rightly protested that athletes are going to want somewhere to wash up. And of course there is the fact that the financial estimates for construction have been blown apart. It was announced in March that the $7.5 million athletic park is $790,000 over budget, and then in April, $340,000 was taken out of reserves for showers if grants can’t be found. In the end, the facility will be a tremendous asset for locals wanting to pursue sports, while the economy will get a boost from tournaments and special events. However, the process leading up to the track may force some to reconsider financial support for future amenities on the books.
There will be some excited about the news that Greater Vernon’s new sports facility will partially be open by late July. But for others, it will be no different than pouring salt into an open wound. Many residents didn’t support construction of the track and fields next to the college right from the get-go, and among those that did, there is likely some frustration over how the project has progressed. After all, the original plan called for the facility to be completed by the end of 2014, except for some landscaping, as part of a land use agreement with the Agricultural Land Commission. However, here we are at July 3, and the black underlay for the track is just down, and the contractors will soon be installing the low-impact surface. On top of this, completion is further delayed because of the last-minute decision by the Regional District of North Okanagan to install showers in the washrooms. Showers were originally scrapped from the design to save some cash, but the public rightly protested that athletes are going to want somewhere to wash up. And of course there is the fact that the financial estimates for construction have been blown apart. It was announced in March that the $7.5 million athletic park is $790,000 over budget, and then in April, $340,000 was taken out of reserves for showers if grants can’t be found. In the end, the facility will be a tremendous asset for locals wanting to pursue sports, while the economy will get a boost from tournaments and special events. However, the process leading up to the track may force some to reconsider financial support for future amenities on the books.
Friday, May 22, 2015
New Sports Facilities Useable by Summer
Posted on 5/22/2015 by Pete McIntyre 107.5 KISSFM
It now looks like a grand opening for the Greater Vernon Sports Facility will take place early this fall. The track and field venue, given the go-ahead by voters two years ago, is nearing completion, with the rubberized Olympic running track going in this week. G-VAC director Bob Fleming says the public should be able to use the facilities by July. "It'll be open and available to use short of having completed showers and so on in the summer but now we're looking at a fall day just because adding the showers extended from being the end of June to sometime in August I think." " I would hope that by the summer we will have a soft opening, it won't be the grand opening, but we'll have the soft opening. Facilities can start to get used. You won't be able to run on the grass field because it's still growing in, but everything else will be more or less set to go." Fleming says everything should be completed by September. Back in April, directors approved spending an extra 340-thousand dollars to add showers to the change rooms.
It now looks like a grand opening for the Greater Vernon Sports Facility will take place early this fall. The track and field venue, given the go-ahead by voters two years ago, is nearing completion, with the rubberized Olympic running track going in this week. G-VAC director Bob Fleming says the public should be able to use the facilities by July. "It'll be open and available to use short of having completed showers and so on in the summer but now we're looking at a fall day just because adding the showers extended from being the end of June to sometime in August I think." " I would hope that by the summer we will have a soft opening, it won't be the grand opening, but we'll have the soft opening. Facilities can start to get used. You won't be able to run on the grass field because it's still growing in, but everything else will be more or less set to go." Fleming says everything should be completed by September. Back in April, directors approved spending an extra 340-thousand dollars to add showers to the change rooms.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)