Track society looks for cash

Photo: Darren Handschuh

The Okanagan Equestrian Society has finalized debentures the group will be using to fund its lawsuit against the City of Vernon over the future of the Kin Race Track.

The debentures are now ready for sale, according to the society, and anyone looking to show support can buy them at the annual general meeting on Feb. 19 at 2 p.m. at the Army, Navy and Airforce hall at 2500 46th Avenue. They can also be purchased by cheque or email transfer.

They cost $250 each, and include a five-per-cent yearly payback. Those looking to buy into the legal fund through the debentures will also need to pay for a society membership, at a cost of $2. 

Those who have already sent cheques will receive the debentures shortly, the society advised.

“We are looking forward to getting this resolved because the race track continues to deteriorate,” said society president Robyn Dalziel, who accused the city of destroying all the stall doors at the track.

The step was taken to keep homeless people away from the track grounds but Dalziel said it would have been easy to remove the doors without wrecking them.

“We need to resolve this so the city knows they have to rebuild the grandstand. They got the (insurance) money in 2014.”

The debentures will be paid back in the event of a victory for the society in the courtroom, and Dalziel said she's confident the court will side with the society.

“It’s been in limbo," Dalziel said. “We steadfastly believe our contracts are valid and that the court will agree with us.”

The ten-day trial is set to begin Mar. 13 in a New Westminster courtroom.

–with files from Kate Bouey