Locating and preserving First Nations artifacts will be critical if a sports complex proceeds.
The Greater Vernon Advisory Committee will provide Okanagan College with $10,000 for an archeological study on the 10-acre College Way property designated for a running track and sports field.
“The province has said that site must go through the process,” said Jim Garlick, GVAC director.
“The study will determine if there are any artifacts. With construction of the grid road, we found arrows. They were catalogued and the project moved on.”
The archeological study, though, depends on the sports complex actually proceeding to construction.
“We’re not going to spend the $10,000 if the referendum doesn’t go ahead,” said David Sewell, general manager, of a possible negative public vote in April.
The total cost for the phase one archeological assessment is $19,000 while if artifacts are found, a second phase could be $14,000.
“Okanagan College will be consulting with the Okanagan Indian band, applying for a heritage inspection permit and then hiring a consultant to conduct the archeological assessment,” said Tannis Nelson, a community development co-ordinator.
