Hurdles are falling by the wayside as planning for a new running track continues.
The Greater Vernon Advisory Committee’s construction management committee met Thursday to get an update on the sports facility being built next to the Okanagan College campus.
“It’s still anticipated that everything will be completed in the fall,” said director Rob Sawatzky, who was at the meeting.
Earthwork began last October and while it has stalled because of winter, it will resume as soon as the weather improves.
Tenders will also go out soon for construction of the facility, and that phase of the work could begin in April or May.
The Agricultural Land Commission has mandated that the facility must be completed by November as part of an agreement to use the site, which is in the Agricultural Land Reserve.
Sawatzky believes that timeline is achievable.
“Sometimes speed costs money, but this is a well-planned process and contingencies are in place,” he said.
The total price tag is $7.5 million for the running track, sports fields and support buildings.
Stakeholder groups, such as minor football and track and field, are being consulted on the possible design.
“There are always a number of wants but you have to balance them out in a large project,” said Sawatzky.
“The extras either fit into the budget or they will have to be funded later.”
