Court may be only option

Photo: Darren Handschuh

It's not the way they want to resolve the Kin Race Track issue, but taking the matter to court may be the only way to settle the long-standing dispute.

Members of the Okanagan Equestrian Society met at the Village Green Hotel Sunday to discuss the future of the large tract of land next to Kal Tire Place.

While society president Ed Woolley could not discuss the ongoing negotiations with the city, he assured the membership they would have the final vote on any deal that is reached.

But when a deal will be reached is anyone's guess as both sides negotiate the decades-long dispute.

Society member and past president Robert white said some sort of third-party involvement is necessary.

“Will they listen to a mediator, or will we need a judge to do it? Personally, I think court is the only way it will be settled,” White told Castanet Sunday.

White agreed the issue is giving the city a “black eye” and needs to be resolved, adding the property can be used for numerous events from equestrian to even providing a home for the Vernon Farmers Market which is having its display area greatly reduced due to the twinning of Kal Tire Place.

“Horse racing is the glue to this whole thing,” said White. “Vernon loves horse racing, it's one of the best oplaes in all of the Interior.”

White said the track in Osoyoos is well used and the Vernon track – which held its first horse race in 1885 – could also flourish.

Following the meeting that contained an animated debate over what the society should do, Woolley said “there is a certain frustration with the City of Vernon. The people want a resolution.”

Woolley said there are “offers being made back and forth” but both sides are “handcuffed” with what they can and can not accept and going to court is a distinct possibility.

“Considering the amount of time this has gone on, that might be the only way to resolve this,” he said.