Group urges yes vote

User groups, some businesses and a big name have come forward in favour of a new arena in Vernon.

At a news conference at Kal Tire Place Monday, representatives of Greater Vernon Minor Hockey, the Vernon Figure Skating Club, the Vernon Ringette Association and the Vortex Speedskating Club urged voters throughout the Greater Vernon area to vote yes in this week's referendum.

An advance vote takes place Wednesday, before general voting on Saturday on the question of whether $13.25 million should be spent on twinning the arena at Kal Tire Place.

“The Civic arena is worn out. It cannot be repaired for less money than building a replacement rink attached to Kal Tire Place,” said Cameron Grant, head of the advocacy group in favour of a new arena. “I'd like to emphasize that this is not a new rink, it's a replacement rink for one that is falling apart.”

Grant said 40 per cent of user groups, including kids and seniors, would not be able to play their sport if the 78-year-old Civic failed.

He assured taxpayers there would not be a big increase in their property taxes.

“The cost of the new rink is minute. For the average taxpayer, it will cost you about three dollars per month,” said Grant, who said his estimate was based on the property taxes of a $500,000 home. “If you put that into the context of one coffee per month, you could have a brand new rink.”

Duncan Wray, owner of the Vernon Vipers, has thrown his wholehearted support behind the yes campaign.

“I strongly support a yes vote,” said Wray.

“The Civic Arena has served us very, very well, but it has reached the end of its lifespan in my estimation, and I think the money it would take to refurbish it would be far more well spent on this (new) facility.”

Wray said a new rink would not impact the Vipers, but the attraction would be for other hockey tournaments.

“For example, the British Columbia Hockey League Showcase takes place on two surfaces in Chilliwack and has for the last four years and certainly the league is looking at moving on to other communities that could support it.”

Representatives from Dairy Queen and a number of hotels including Prestige, Super 8 and Village Green, were also supportive.

“In the winter this town is known to have a downslide in occupancy and of people coming to the area,” said Janna Maderyc, director of marketing for the Village Green Hotel. “This is what keeps us thriving as a business and allows us to avoid layoffs come the slow season and the benefit is felt throughout the community.”

“We need to keep these kids in sports, keep them out of trouble, entertain them and get them off the tablets, engaging in social activity so they have the skills when they're older to continue thriving in life,” added Maderyc, who has an eight-year-old daughter.

“I feel it's important we keep our youths off the streets and put them on the ice. It worked very well for myself,” said Trevor Rasmussen of the Vortex speed skating club, a 28-year veteran of the sport.

“We encourage you to get out and vote yes if you support it,” urged Cliff Lannon, of the Greater Vernon Ringette Association, who had brought along a group of youngsters who play the sport.

“If you don't vote, it is not really supporting it,” he warned. “Please get out and vote.”