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Vernon  

Moving forward after vote

Discussions are already underway about how to get the new arena project underway.

“We have a conceptual design so now what we need to do is decide on the kind of delivery method that we're going to use to actually get the project done,” said Doug Ross, City of Vernon's director of recreation services, adding that talks were to begin Monday afternoon.

The project is in the hands of the city under a design, build and operate agreement with the North Okanagan Regional District.

"We're going to have to go to out tender and we'll be looking for an architectural firm to do the final design of the building and we'll have someone build it and eventually be able to open it up in the fall of 2018,” said Ross, who estimates the tendering process will take a number of months.

The actual construction of the arena could take up to two years, he said.

Greater Vernon voters agreed Saturday to allow NORD to borrow $13.25 to build the ice sheet, which will be twinned at Kal Tire Place.

Official referendum results released Monday showed only 16 per cent of of 47,466 eligible voters bothered to cast a ballot.

Figures show 4,265 people voted yes while 3,331 voted no, giving the yes side the win with 56 per cent support.

Mayor Akbal Mund said he's delighted with the outcome of the vote. “We have a new track and now we have a replacement ice surface.”

“We need the facility,” he added.

Mund expressed surprise at the low voter turnout.

“There was a lot of talk within the community about this referendum, and I was disappointed there was a small turnout. Only 16 per cent of the voting population turned out.

"But, as other past referendums have shown you don't get much more than 20 percent voting on this.”

As well, Ross said efforts will be made to keep the old Civic Arena running so user groups are left with ice time.

“We have to keep it running as long as it is needed until the new building is opened,” said Ross. “When the hockey season ends, we will be able to turn off the ice plant and if the new building is opened by the fall of 2018 we won't have to turn it on again.

"We have our fingers crossed every day for the Civic Arena, but we're doing all those little things we need to do to try to keep it running.”



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