POT PETITION | Medical marijuana dispensaries rally at city hall today [A5]
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Friday, December 11, 2015
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Amphitheatre plans unveiled at OC RICHARD ROLKE Morning Star Staff
Symphonic sounds could flow over the Coldstream hillsides and across Kalamalka Lake. Plans were unveiled Thursday for a $5 to $10 million amphitheatre at Okanagan College’s Vernon campus. “It’s an exciting project for the region,” said Allan Coyle, OC’s director of public affairs. The amphitheatre would hold up to 5,500 people and be const r uc te d in a coulee or ravine overlooking Kal Lake. “It’s the best site in Allan Coyle the valley,” said Diane Bond, with the Okanagan Summer Festival Society. “We were looking for beauty, a slope and accessibility.” The society has been pursuing a venue for large performing groups, such as symphony orchestras and dance companies. The site could also play host to workshops for amateur performers. “There would be many volunteer and employment opportunities, especially for youth in the summer,” said Bond, adding that the campus’ proximity to Highway 97 and Kelowna International Airport makes the location a draw for tourists. As part of the planning, similar facilities in New York, Colorado, Alberta and Quebec have been investigated. The concept was presented to the Greater Vernon Advisory Committee Thursday but no local funds are being sought. The society is seeking federal and provincial grants as well as private sector donations. Construction could begin in 2017 depending on funding being available. “It’s a very unique vision. No one else would have this,” said Akbal
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The Okanagan Summer Festival Society is proposing to build an amphitheatre next to Okanagan College in Coldstream, overlooking Kalamalka Lake, which could seat up to 5,500 people.
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However, Coyle insists the sound would be directed towards the highway and acoustic tests would be done. “The college is concerned about its neighbours,” he said. Bond also says hours of operation would be reviewed and the noise coming from the intended acts is different than those from rock bands. “You don’t usually amp it up more than necessary,” she said. Mike Macnabb, BX-Silver Star director, raised concerns that the amphitheatre could divert acts away from the Vernon Performing Arts Centre. But Bond says the amphitheatre would host larger events. “We look forward to working with performing arts centre staff on services such as ticketing and renting facilities,” she said. A public open house on the amphitheatre will be held at the college cafeteria Monday at 5 p.m. “Everyone is invited,” said Bond.
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