Amping up the volume

Photo: Contributed - Okanagan Summer Festival Society.

A husband-and-wife team in Coldstream is setting up a group to oppose a plan for an amphitheatre at Okanagan College's Vernon campus.

Jackie George, who said she represents Residents Against the Amphitheatre, is circulating an email asking Okanagan College not to permit or support activities “that introduce such long-term adverse affects into our pristine area.”

The email is directed at Vernon campus dean Jane Lister as well college president Jim Hamilton.

Just last week, the Okanagan Summer Festival Society revealed its plan for a multimillion-dollar, open-air amphitheatre on campus grounds, aimed at bringing in symphony orchestras and dance and theatre productions.

It held an open house on the project last Monday.

“Clearly, there are other sites or under-used facilities within the Vernon or Okanagan corridor that would be better suited, less impacting and more cost effective,” said the email.

When asked, George refused to say how many neighbours around the campus actually belong to her group.

“We are continuing to grow a list of opposition to the proposed amphitheatre over the holidays,” she said.

“We are not prepared to comment further until we have had a chance to meet in January.”