This is regarding a recent article (March 30) about the proposed Kalamalka Bowl amphitheatre at Okanagan College’s Vernon campus.
In a series of meetings which concluded March 22, our society heard concerns from local residents about potential ecological impacts, drainage issues, possible parking overflow problems and potential noise and light pollution.
We have made it clear in these meetings and to anyone who asked that we recognize our responsibility to address these issues.
Significant time and money will be needed to complete the studies required and we do not know how long this may take. We will report as reliable information is received.
To correct misinformation which appeared in your article, the existing community garden is not endangered by this project.
Further, our society does not expect to have access to debt financing for construction of the amphitheatre.
We do not publish discussions with owners of other potential sites.
If a reader is in a position to offer a comparable site, we will be pleased to talk with them.
We have, however, carefully researched alternatives and settled upon the Vernon campus of Okanagan College as the best option by far.
The project was announced as early as possible (Dec. 10, 2015) and we moved immediately (Dec. 14) to involve neighbours and other stakeholders.
A great deal of comment has been solicited and noted since then.
Had we delayed entering into these discussions until we have more answers to neighbours’ questions, some would probably have criticized us for tardiness.
We believe this project will have a positive impact on Coldstream and Vernon on both an economic and cultural level.
It will be a source of pride for the region and will make Greater Vernon an even more desirable retirement destination as has happened in other North American cities which host major cultural venues.
Diane Bond, Managing Director,
Okanagan Summer Festival Society
