Just one space

Photo: Contributed - Greater Vernon Recreation.

Just one parking space will be lost if a second ice sheet goes in beside Kal Tire Place, according to Vernon Mayor Akbal Mund.

“The strong perception is there will be no parking at Kal Tire Place,” said Mund. “(But) the net loss is one parking space when this is done.”

Mund said he has been told by city recreation staff that 679 free public parking spaces would be available around the twinned facilities once the project is completed, down one from the current 680.

Greater Vernon residents vote in a referendum Nov. 28 on whether to borrow $13.25 million for a new arena.

Mund pointed to Prospera Place in Kelowna, where the public has to pay for parking, and to the Sandman Centre in Kamloops, where there are no public parking spaces available.

The Prospera Place website states the current parking charge for events and hockey games is $10 per vehicle.

A spokesperson for the Kamloops Blazers confirmed all arena parking is reserved for volunteers or leased to season ticket holders.

The mayor shrugged off concerns there won't be enough parking for two arenas. “I was just at Remembrance Day ceremonies, where (Kal Tire Place) was busy with 4,000 people,” said Mund. “Yes, it was busy. Yes, it takes time to get out.”

“When I go to Seattle Seahawks games, I park two miles away and pay $20,” he added. “We offer free parking and we have a problem.”

“There are maybe two or three major events at Kal Tire Place each year and, guess what, there is not going to be a parking space for everyone.”

The proposed second arena would be mainly for kids involved in sports and their families. It would seat just 400 people or so, said Mund, who doesn't believe a vast number of parking spaces are required.

City of Vernon recreation facilities co-ordinator Jim Coughlin said new parking spaces would be put in the lawn area, in front of Kal Tire Place, as well as placed along the race track side to the west of the buildings. "Everything gets changed and rearranged." said Coughlin.

A big supporter of a new ice sheet in the region, Mund said he is urging friends, family and acquaintances to vote yes in the referendum.

“I'm going to make the case to all the people who voted for me,” he said.

“All I've heard about is parking. No one has complained about the cost (of twinning). They are not looking at the site place.”