I have difficulty believing that all ice sheets in Vernon, minus the Civic Arena, are used 100 per cent of the time. I think the public needs to see a schedule of usage at the OTR rink on 27th Avenue, the Priest Valley Arena and Kal Tire Place before making a decision on the upcoming referendum.
Rarely do I see anyone using Civic Arena during the weekdays and yet it was stated that it is in use 40 per cent of the time. Yes, cars are parked there daily, but those belong to the people working in the downtown area and the city staff.
I understand that there are seniors playing hockey, there is public skating and pre-schoolers skating. But are they using ice time that conflicts with the school age sports such as hockey, figure skating and ringette?
Before rushing into a referendum on an ice rink, wouldn’t it be a good idea to give us taxpayers an estimate on a new RCMP building, the art gallery building, and the museum building, which are also needed, along with the questionable ice rink before we vote?
The cultural plan is supposed to be nearing completion with the last step being buildings. What is the big rush?
Joanne Georgeson
Vernon
