The fate of a proposed sports complex is now in the hands of Greater Vernon voters.
Residents will decide Saturday if they support borrowing up to $7.5 million over 20 years to construct a sports complex at Okanagan College.
“It’s been encouraging to see the interest,” said Mike Macnabb, Greater Vernon Advisory Committee chairperson, adding that he is hoping for a strong turnout.
“I’m not sure which way things are going but there certainly is some interest.”
Election results will be after the deadline for Sunday’s Morning Star, but details will be posted at www.vernonmorningstar.com once they become available.
Polls will be open Saturday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Priest Valley Gym, Coldstream Elementary, BX Elementary and Ellison Elementary.
Residents can vote at any of the locations.
To cast a ballot, resident electors will be required to produce two pieces of identification (at least one with a signature) that prove residency and identity.
Non-resident property electors must produce two pieces of identification (at least one with a signature). They must prove they are entitled to register in relation to the property and, if applicable, provide written consent from the majority of the property owners. There is no corporate vote under provincial legislation.
To vote, you must be 18 years or older, a Canadian citizen, a B.C. resident for at least six months and a resident of Greater Vernon for at least 30 days.
There was another strong showing during the second advanced poll.
A total of 1,445 people cast ballots Wednesday — with 1,030 at the Schubert Centre, 280 at the Coldstream municipal office and 135 at the regional district office.
On March 27, during the first advanced poll, 1,225 ballots were cast.
Macnabb is pushing for a clear indication of the public’s appetite in regards to the facility.
“If it comes out 51/49, that creates more of a problem than a clear direction either way,” he said.
But while Macnabb is urging residents to vote no matter their view, he supports constructing the runing track and sports fields.
“It can bring young people to the community,” he said.
“We don’t want just a stagnant retirement community.”
But Macnabb points out that many seniors are active and want amentities where they can walk, run or pursue other activities.
“If it touches a cord through ages, it is fantastic,” he said of the proposal.
Macnabb also supports the location, which is being leased from the college for $1 a year.
“I can’t think of a better synergy than having it at the college,” he said, adding that there is the potential for new courses while large events can use existing services at the campus.
“It will be a great entrance to the community.”
Information on the referendum and polls can be obtained at www.rdno.ca.
