By Pete McIntyre

Not enough demand for another ice rink in Vernon

Mar 10, 2020 | 12:12 PM

Vernon’s three ice arenas are busy, but a city official says the demand is not near the point where another arena could be considered.

Recreation Services Director Doug Ross told city council, in the fall and winter seasons, the arenas (Kal Tire Place, Kal Tire Place North, Priest Valley) are mostly “booked to capacity.”

“If we could build an arena and have it open from 4 to 7 p.m., I’m sure we would make a lot of people really happy, but we can’t do that. We have to wait until we have far more demand so that we could utilize that facility more than just [at those times],” Ross said.

Coun. Scott Anderson said he heard from hockey parents who are up at 5 a.m. “looking for ice,” and wondered what the trigger point would be to start planning for more ice facilities.

“We’re not there yet,” Ross said. We have to have much more demand that we do. There is still some early morning ice times. We could have few more parents getting up at 5 in the morning. We also have some late night ice times.”

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On the other hand, Ross said the Rec Centre pool is booked to capacity, and that is their number one priority as far as future new venues.

“The only way we could put more people in the pool is by increasing our numbers at our public swim times which requires us to have additional lifeguards on duty, which we would respond to if we had that many people coming out,” Ross told city council.

Coun. Kari Gares complimented recreation staff for trying to manage the schedule as best they can with programs operating at, or beyond, capacity.

“I think it really goes to the heart of the matter why we’re having these discussions about the active living centre that is on the table, so thank you for doing all that you do,” Gares said.

A feasibility study is underway to gather input and cost estimates for a new Greater Vernon active living centre which could include a 50-metre pool, gymnasiums, and a fitness track.

by Pete McIntyre

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