LOOKOUT REVEALED | Kal Lake rest area in Coldstream gets a major transformation [A5]
Wednesday, October 28, 2015 P R O U D L Y
S E R V I N G
O U R
N O R T H
w w w. v e r n o n m o r n i n g s t a r. c o m
O K A N A G A N
C O M M U N I T I E S
F O R
2 7
Y E A R S
VERNON DODGE
1
#
Vernon
Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram
Kent Hough
250-545-2261
DLR #5204
Morning gStar
The
It’s Our People who Make
4607 27 ST, VERNON • VERNONDODGE.COM
Civic Arena a ‘money pit’
HELPING HANDS
RICHARD ROLKE Morning Star Staff
LISA VANDERVELDE/MORNING STAR
Jordann Scott, 10, and her mom Stacy Lee-Scott volunteer during the W.L. Seaton Secondary band apple pie fundraiser. They were helping out in support of Jordann’s sister.
City to pursue market location RICHARD ROLKE Morning Star Staff
There’s strong words coming from some politicians over a future home for the Vernon Farmers Market. On Monday, city council appointed Mayor Akbal Mund and Coun. Catherine Lord to meet with the farmers market board Akbal Mund to determine an alternate location for the market should the referendum to twin Kal Tire Place succeed Nov. 28. “We will find them a suitable location where they can go,” said Mund. But when it was pointed out that
the farmers market doesn’t want to move from Kal Tire Place’s parking lot, Mund stated he’s only heard that view from one person. “We haven’t heard from the board of directors or the people who use the market,” he said. Lord is calling for a compromise, but says the market will have to leave Kal Tire Place if the arena project proceeds. “We can’t hold up a new ice sheet,” she said. One possible location is the Vernon Performing Arts Centre parking lot, and while the farmers market society disagrees with it. Mund says it has potential. “That’s a better spot. There’s lots of parking and all of the people in the apartments close to downtown could
walk to the market. There would be more business for everybody,” he said. In a recent letter, the Vernon Farmers Market board stated that moving to a different location, even during construction, is not an option. “We have too much invested in promotional material and signage and there really isn’t anywhere to move to. It should be mentioned that our lease is good for three more years,” it stated. The VFM wants a new ice sheet constructed to the west of Kal Tire Place but the city says that’s not possible because of ongoing legal action with the Okanagan Equestrian Society over Kin Race Track. As part of their process for a new location, Mund and Lord will report to council with alternate sites for the market.
More tax dollars are being pumped into the 78-year-old Civic Arena. Staff presented Vernon council Monday with $54,500 in repairs that are either proceeding or are needed for the Interior’s first indoor ice sheet, and the ultimate bill could go even higher. “Have you ever seen the movie Money Pit?” said Coun. Scott Anderson when asked for his thoughts on the situation. “This is not encouraging.” The issues range from cracking trusses and concrete walls to mechanical room water leaks and upgrades to emergency lighting and fire alarm Scott Anderson panels. “Everything we do seems to open up other problems,” said Jim Coughlin, facilities manager. In one case, opening a wall for a leak led to a major surprise. “The concrete is eroding away — the bottom of the foundation,” said Coughlin. “Before this item can be fully addressed, the two to five-year project of exterior drainage should be completed. This will also cost closer to $20,000 to do the wall repair not including any concrete repair.” The west male washroom needs a new toilet and a urinal has failed in the south washroom. There is a major drainage piping failure in all washrooms. Repairs are being done to parts of the 1938 electrical system but a full investigation of the building is required. “The electrical system is another nightmare,” said Coughlin. Greater Vernon residents are heading to the polls Nov. 28 on twinning Kal Tire Place, but if that succeeds, some investment will be required at Civic while construction occurs. “Civic has to last for two to three years,” said Coun. Catherine Lord. About 40 per cent of local ice use is based at Civic Arena. Coughlin was asked about the ultimate lifespan of the arena. “We can make it last forever but it’s all money related,” he said. Lord suggested that about $6 million would be needed for an overhaul and that would only extend the building for five to 10 years. While some reports indicate the actual structure is sound, Mayor Akbal Mund is concerned about the physical plant and the ongoing price tag. “Civic needs lots of work and as time goes on, it will need lots more work,” he said. “Residents need to understand this building won’t last.”
BANNISTER HONDA “A Family Business, with Family Values ”
6425 Hwy 97 N, Vernon BC • bannisterhonda.com 250-545-0531 • 888-545-0531 DL# 8718 †$3,500/$3,000 Honda cash purchase incentive is available on every 2015 Accord 2D model and select 2015 Accord 4D models (4D LX CVT, 4D Sport, 4D EX-L, 4D Touring). Honda cash purchase incentive will be deducted from the negotiated price after taxes and cannot be combined with special lease or fi nance offers. **MSRP is $28,325/$27,045 based on a new 2015 Accord 2D L4 EX 6MT CT1A7FJ/Accord 4D L4 LX CVT CR2F3FE including $1,695/$1,695 freight and PDI. Taxes, license, insurance and registration are extra. Offers valid from October 1st through November 2nd, 2015 at participating Honda retailers. Dealer may sell/lease for less. Dealer trade may be necessary on certain vehicles. Offers valid only for British Columbia residents at BC Honda Dealers locations. Offers subject to change or cancellation without notice. Terms and conditions apply. Visit www.bchonda.com or see your Honda retailer for full details. €For more information about IIHS’ Top Safety Pick award, visit http://www.iihs.org