Get the Top, Local stories delivered to your inbox! Click here to join the daily Vernon Matters newsletter.
Referendum could be held in fall 2021

Vernon proceeding with centre planning, despite lack of regional support

Jun 26, 2020 | 1:28 PM

The City of Vernon is moving forward with planning for a proposed active living centre, despite not having the support of its regional partners.

Coldstream council passed a resolution saying it’s not willing to proceed with the centre until the Greater Vernon Cultural Centre project is resolved.

The Greater Vernon Advisory Committee has tabled discussion on the recreation centre at this point.

Vernon Mayor Victor Cumming said while he and fellow council members hope their community partners will get on board with the project in the future, his council felt it was important to keep the process moving and not lose any momentum.

“This will be a very large and important project for our city and our region, and projects of this size can take four to five years before a new facility’s doors would be open.”

City staff have been directed to prepare a report on the cost and resources needed to hold a referendum in the fall of 2021 which could be to borrow up to $90 million.

The final recommendation of a study into the centre was to build a new facility on the former Kin Race Track site that includes: a 50 metre pool, leisure pool, double gymnasium, fitness centre, walking/running track and multi-purpose spaces.

The study provided several options for the development of the facility, including building the facility all at one time or in phases.

View Comments