No to amphitheatre

Photo: Contributed - Kasian Architecture Interior Design and Planning Ltd.

About 100 opponents of a proposed outdoor amphitheatre at Okanagan College's Vernon campus met Monday evening to discuss their concerns.

“In a million years, we never imagined that we would have to defend against the destruction of the gully in front of the college,” said Joan Rowan, spokesperson for a group called Concerned Neighbours of Okanagan College.

The Okanagan Summer Festival Society has proposed the amphitheatre for outdoor concerts and entertainment during the warm weather.

Estimated at a cost of between five and $10 million, society managing director Diane Bond has told local politicians they would not be expected to pay for the covered amphitheatre which would be set in a coulee to allow for a natural slope.

“We feel that the society is fixated on this location and this is plan A and there is no plan B,” said Rowan.

“The slope is steep, it's deep, it's prone to erosion, it's historic,” said Rowan, pointing to its post glacial shape. “The soil is unstable.”

The area is filled with plants such as balsamroot, sumac and bunch grass and is a hunting ground for eagles and hawks, Rowan added.

There are also concerns over irrigation, drainage and sewage if the plan went ahead, she said.

“It is mind boggling.”

Rowan said the group would attend a public meeting at the college hosted by the society on March 22, between 5-7 p.m.