Referendum

New water woes add to concerns at the Vernon art gallery

VERNON - The Vernon Public Art Gallery has sprung yet another leak. Water started dripping from the ceiling of the storage and permanent collections area sometime over the night of Jan. 5 to 6, according to executive director Dauna Kennedy Grant. It’s the latest in a string of leaks at the gallery over the past...

Parkinson recreation centre replacement could cost $50 million

KELOWNA - City staff are recommending the deluxe version for a replacement of Parkinson Recreation Centre with a $50-million price tag. However, staff also say the city should explore with the Central Okanagan school district the possibility of developing a facility integrated with the new high school the district is proposing across the field from...

Vernon Farmers’ Market disappointed with arena vote

VERNON - The manager of the Vernon Farmers' Market believes some vendors will feel the squeeze as the group downsizes for upcoming arena construction. Manager Ingrid Baron is expecting the market will need to shrink by a third to fit into reduced parking lot space at Kal Tire Place while the facility is expanded. Greater...

Voters to decide fate of Vernon arena project in coming days

VERNON - Voters will have their say on a new arena this Saturday, but as they prepare to head to the polls, over 2,000 people have already cast their ballots in advance polls. “I think those numbers are even better than the general municipal election we had,” Vernon mayor Akbal Mund says. “That’s encouraging in...

Kamloops council gives thumbs down to hand counting ballots

KAMLOOPS - It was a close vote in council yesterday, but no recount is needed on an effort to bring in post-election audits.  Coun. Denis Walsh wanted to bring further accountability in both election and referendum voting systems and argued for hand counts after the fact. He feels electronic voting machines are susceptible to computer...

Advocate likens cost of a new Vernon arena to a monthly cup of coffee

VERNON - A number of businesses, sports groups and community members came out to show their support for a new arena in Vernon. Representatives from the Vernon Vipers, Greater Vernon Minor Hockey, the Vernon Figure Skating Club, the Prestige Hotel, Super 8 and Village Green, among others, came together at a news conference Monday, Nov....

Vernon minor hockey pledges cash for arena project

VERNON - A local sports organization has thrown financial support behind the construction of a new arena in Vernon. The Greater Vernon Minor Hockey Association board of directors has pledged a $25,000 contribution to the City of Vernon to be used toward the construction of a second ice sheet at Kal Tire Place if the Nov. 28...

Kamloops says ‘NO’ to performing arts centre

KAMLOOPS - Despite a strong campaign to encourage residents to say ‘yes’ to a performing arts centre, voters ultimately decided to say ‘no’ during this week’s referendum. Kamloops residents were asked whether they support the city borrowing $49 million to help build a performing arts centre. Council had already said they supported it and several...