Vernon

Add Vernon to the list of cities interested in hosting the Ironman Canada event.

Photo: Deborah Pfeiffer

Cyclists head through downtown Penticton during the city's final Ironman Triathlon last August.

Penticton, which has hosted the event for 30 years, dropped it earlier this summer in favour of a more 'family friendly' Challenge race.

Shortly after the announcement, Kelowna began expressing interest in hosting the event and now Vernon City Council has directed its Administration to forward a bid submission to host Ironman Canada from 2013 through 2017.

Vernon council decided to proceed with a bid after receiving a report on September 20, which it examined "in-camera."

Information in that report will be released after the Ironman Canada Request for Proposal submission process ends on September 25.

"On behalf of Council, I would like to express our appreciation to community members and local businesses for responding to the call for comment regarding the possibility of the City of Vernon hosting the Ironman Canada event, and to those that worked to gather input for Council’s consideration," says Vernon Mayor, Rob Sawatzky.

With projections estimating an economic boom of between 10 and 12 million dollars, it's not surprising that Vernon received letters of support from Lake Country, Armstrong, Salmon Arm, Coldstream, Lumby, Okanagan Indian Band, Regional District of North Okanagan, Spallumcheen and Okanagan-Monashee MLA Eric Foster.

Enderby passed a resolution offering "general" support.

Also, Vernon officials report they received 722 "responses in support" compared to 44 "responses not supporting or having concerns regarding the event."

550 individuals and families indicated willingness to volunteer.

The World Triathlon Corporation will announce the new host community from Kona, Hawaii on October 10.