Arena referendum FAQs

On Nov. 28, residents of Vernon, Coldstream and Electoral Areas B and C will be asked to vote on the Regional District of North Okanagan (RDNO) borrowing $13,250,000 to finance the construction of a second ice sheet at Kal Tire Place.

The following represent frequently asked questions about the upcoming referendum.

What is the referendum question?

Are you in favour of the Regional District of North Okanagan adopting Bylaw No. 2679, being "Vernon & District Multi-Use Facility Expansion Service Establishment Bylaw No. 2679, 2015" and Bylaw No. 2680, being “Vernon & District Multi-Use Facility Expansion Loan Authorization Bylaw No. 2680, 2015” which authorizes the Regional District of North Okanagan to create a service and borrow an amount not to exceed THIRTEEN MILLION, TWO HUNDRED FIFTY THOUSAND DOLLARS ($13,250,000) for the purposes of financing construction of a second ice sheet at the Vernon & District Multi-Use Facility.

Why is there a referendum on this issue?

The Province of British Columbia requires public approval of long-term borrowing. We are asking the public to approve borrowing $13,250,000 to twin Kal Tire Place in Vernon to replace the existing facilities at the Civic Arena.

Who can vote?

Qualified electors within the City of Vernon, District of Coldstream, Electoral Area B (including residents of IR6 and Desert Cove) and Electoral Area C.

Why does the Civic Arena need replacing?

The Civic Arena is almost 80 years old and many of the facilities operating systems are deteriorating and at risk of imminent failure. The cost for the required renovations to keep the Civic Arena functional for five years is $5.6 million. To keep it operational for 10 years with the current sheet of ice is approximately $10.78 million. To upgrade the arena to include a regulation-size sheet of ice would require $13.88 million.

What does it currently cost taxpayers to operate the Civic Arena?

Annual operating costs for the Civic Arena in 2016 are budgeted for $196,706.

What is the proposed replacement?

The Civic Arena Replacement Feasibility Study identified twinning Kal Tire Place to the north as the preferred option to replace the Civic Arena.

Why is twinning Kal Tire Place being recommended?

The site is already owned by the City of Vernon and current zoning allows for this usage.

The existing ice plant can accommodate additional ice sheets.

The new twinned facility will supply significant savings to operating costs ($150,000) compared to the cost of operating two standalone facilities.

Expanding Kal Tire Place creates opportunities for rentals, tournaments and events (both on ice and dry floor) that are not possible with two standalone facilities. 

The construction of a new facility can be completed without creating any disruption to current ice and dry floor users.

Why isn’t the proposed plan to build to the west? 

The lands to the west of the existing facility are part of the Kin Race Track lands and are currently unavailable.

Twinning Kal Tire Place lengthwise (on the west side) as opposed to widthwise (on the north side) would require additional construction along the full length of the two buildings and would be more expensive to build.

The land to the west of Kal Tire Place has never been exposed to significant loads.  Because of this, there is potential for significant geotechnical and structural issues and as such, this site has the most potential for costs to escalate over the estimated site costs.

Construction to the west would mean the expanded facility is situated lower than the existing facility, exposing the new roof to increased snow load requirements, making it more expensive to construct.

Building to the west would eliminate the existing entry and exit lane off of 43rd Avenue and require a new access to be re-established around the perimeter of the new facility or a new access developed off of Old Kamloops Road.

The cost to build the west option was estimated to be $344,241 higher than the north option.

What will happen to the Vernon Farmer’s Market?

The City of Vernon is committed to working with the Farmer’s Market to assist them in finding an alternative location to hold the market while the facility is being designed and built.

What is included in the proposed facility?

The new facility would have a regulation 200’ x 85’ sheet of ice, seating for 400 spectators as well as a lobby, change rooms, washrooms and mechanical rooms. In addition, the facility would also feature spaces requested by major user groups and the public including, a dryland training facility, multi-purpose room, additional office space and a new parking area adjacent to 43 Avenue.

Why are there additional facility amenities in the plan?

The City and RDNO received input from the public and user groups indicating a strong desire for expanded building amenities in a new facility. These features will enhance the profile and usability of Kal Tire Place as a venue for local and visiting athletes and offer additional revenue generating opportunities.

What is the timeline to build the proposed arena?

The new facility could potentially open by Fall 2018. Design work takes approximately nine to 12 months; construction would be approximately two years.  

How will the proposed arena be paid for?

The RDNO will borrow $13,250,000. After Municipal Finance Authority issuance costs are deducted, they will receive $13,025,128. The City of Vernon will contribute an additional $812,385 from the Civic Arena Reserve Fund.

What will the cost be to the taxpayer?

Using an example of $350,000 as the assessed value of a home in Greater Vernon, and based only on improvements to the property, the cost per household to twin Kal Tire Place will be approximately $24 per year for the term of the loan, which is 20 years.

Who will own the facility?

The new facility will be owned by the Regional District of North Okanagan and operated by the City of Vernon. At the end of the term of the loan, the City of Vernon will own the facility.

What is the alternative if the referendum is not successful?

If the referendum is unsuccessful, the issue of renovating the aging Civic Arena will need to be revisited. The estimated cost of renovating the Civic to include a regulation 200’ x 85’ sheet of ice is $13,855,711.

What will happen to the Civic Arena if the referendum is successful?

Following a successful referendum, the Civic Arena will still be needed as a sheet of ice for at least three years. Currently the Official Community Plan identifies the Civic Arena property to become a park.

Where can I get more information?

If you would like more information, contact Doug Ross, director of recreation services at [email protected], or Shayne Wright, recreation program co-ordinator at [email protected].