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deal to lease 21 acres

Plan for horse college moving to next phase

Jun 18, 2020 | 3:13 PM

A ground breaking will be held this month for a proposed $6 million horse college east of Enderby.

Malcolm Lynn, president of the non-profit Monashee Agri Park Society, said they have a deal with a private land owner for a lease in the Hullcar District.

“Gerald William has agreed to a 98-year lease of 21 acres [8.49 hectares] to the equine college,” Lynn told Vernon Matters. “So let the construction begin. We have formally invited all levels of government, including the Splatsin, to participate.”

In its business plan, the society says the primary objective of the venture is to connect horses to the people, so that they can teach, train and educate the younger generations to become employed in the horse industry.

“The key players are committed to making this a success and are prepared to invest the necessary time required. The college will be governed by the British Columbia Independent School Act. Being a non-profit society, the monies needed to build and establish the college and other phases of the project will require government grants (i.e. horse industry, agricultural or other helpful grants) from both federal and provincial levels.

Lynn said their society may raise money through memberships and fundraising opportunities.

“Students will be trained and receive certificates and/or diplomas from courses offered in areas such as equine science, aqua therapy, and farrier science, to name a few.”

Under the business plan, the school building would be the biggest cost at $950,000, while a hydro therapy pool would cost $850,000.

Lynn is inviting people to an ‘all day open house’ on Monday June 29 at the Hullcar Community Hall (4194 Hullcar Road, Armstrong) for a ground breaking and flag raising ceremony.

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