There’s a cost to a major sports event.
A total of $117,669 will be spent on a new portable ice cover system at Wesbild Centre in time for the B.C. Winter Games Feb. 23 to 26.
“I am 100 per cent in support of the Winter Games and the floor is partially key to their success,” said Bob Fleming, a Greater Vernon Advisory Committee director.
The current floor is about10 years old and has apparently exceeded its lifespan. It is torn and poses a tripping hazard.
“The issue was going to come up anyhow so it’s just a matter of timing,” said Fleming of spending the money now.
The City of Vernon is also doing its part for the Games.
It will provide up to 2,000 City of Vernon pins to people who volunteer during the event.
“It’s traditional for the volunteers to wear something that celebrates the city,” said Coun. Bob Spiers.
Spiers added that the pin is also a way of thanking the volunteers for their community spirit.
The price tag for the pins will be about $560.
“The number of registered volunteers at this time exceeds 1,000 and our goal of 2,000 can be obtained thanks to the generosity of the citizens of the City of Vernon and our surrounding areas,” said Akbal Mund, 2012 Winter Games president, in a letter.
“Any excess pins would be returned to the city after the Games should there be a surplus.”