Angie Wohlford, president of VDRC, receiving the funds from Amanda Shatzko, Electoral Area “C” Director, and Bob Fleming, Electoral Area “B” Director (photo courtesy of the RDNO)

By Liam Verster

Water Savings, Horse Safety

Vernon Riding Club ropes in RDNO funds for irrigation upgrades

Dec 21, 2023 | 2:00 PM

The Vernon District Riding Club will be upgrading the irrigation system on its property in Coldstream thanks to some local government funding.

The Regional District of North Okanagan has provided the Riding Club (VDRC) with a $6,000 grant through the COVID-19 ReStart Fund.

“The Vernon District Riding Club is very grateful for the financial support from RDNO Area ‘B’ director Bob Fleming and Area ‘C’ director Amanda Shatzko for much-needed improvements to our facility,” Sherry Demetrick from the VDRC, said.

The funds will be used to upgrade the irrigation system, which is currently manually operated requiring each sprinkler head to be individually turned on.

The system will be automated, allowing for less water to be used as it will spray overnight when evaporation and wind are minimized. The new system will also allow for sprinklers to be operated remotely, so they can be turned off if rain starts to fall.

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The group said a properly-irrigated property is important as it provides safe footing in the horse riding rings.

The riding club is located at 8408 Aberdeen Road in Coldstream.

“I am pleased to support the VDRC, a great organization that has supported equine training and staged events over many decades for the benefit of residents, both rural and urban, throughout our region,” Director Fleming said.

“I’m happy to contribute to the much-needed infrastructure upgrades at the VDRC site. It will allow the club to continue to offer inclusive programming and space for horse enthusiasts of all ages and backgrounds,” Director Shatzko added.