Good evening Mike, Rick, Bob, Hank, Herman, and to the rest who I have
copied this email to.
Today in the North Okanagan it has come to light that 4 directors are
trying to shut down a privately run gymnastics facility that has been in
operation since 2009. I feel this needs to be addressed.
The GVA and areas that NORD serves has a critical shortage of sports, and
recreational facilities. If a sports association wanted to establish a facility
the amount of dollars required to do so would be astronomical. When I look at
the facilities that we get to enjoy the common them is they are in Vernon and
owned by the taxpayer leased or rented back to the user groups.
Here we have a facility that is privately owned and operated. This
facility does not appear to be a tax burden to the residents. It also frees up
floor space other groups can use in municipal owned facilities.
Having privately owned facilities in our area benefits our community. We
are currently undertaking a huge ice sheet expansion that is going to cost
taxpayers millions of dollars just to construct, funds to furnish, and an
ongoing expense to maintain. Think of the tax dollars our citizens could be
using to address other issues that is now tied up in the hockey rink expansion.
Had we allowed a private company to come in buy land, build and operate a
new arena we would have the needed ice surface for this community at 0 cost to
our taxpayers. Here we have a person who saw the need for a gymnastics club in
our area that is furnished to the needs of her program. It costs no money to
the taxpayer. In fact her property generates tax dollar for you to spend. She
attracts people to the area through competitions and programs. She also keeps
our local youth at home with their families while pursuing their dreams and
training in gymnastic and theater skills.
As some will know I will be running in the upcoming 2017 provincial
elections. One of my points I will be marketing is we need to as communities
find ways to be open for business. Closing down businesses, because a building
is to big is not encouraging growth. Shutting down sports programs because they
do not lease city owned facilities is a conflict of interest. Instead of
closing this facility may I encourage you to try a novel idea. Keep it open,
work with Camille to market her facility and program, and look for way to
attract more private owned facilities to open up shop in not just your electoral
areas but in NORD communities as well.
Lets actually move forward in 2017 to build our communities and attract
development. We need to get past the trap of "not in my backyard" and start
thinking "How can we get this in yard or my neighbors yard"
Lets start here. Support Camille and her program. It isn't going to cost
you a dime. I will be a win for the entire area.
Thank you for your time, I trust you will do well in making Vernon and
Coldstream a stronger community.
Your Sincerely,
Don Jefcoat
Posted with permission from the author.
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