Residents will have to get used to a new name for Vernon's main multiplex: Kal Tire Place

(CHARLOTTE HELSTON / iNFOnews.ca)

By Charlotte Helston

A new name will be raised above Vernon's main arena,  formerly known as the Wesbild Centre.

Kal Tire has committed to a four-year term with the Regional District of North Okanagan to pay $25,000 the first year and $40,000 each following year until the contract is up.

The official signage switch is slated for June 1.

A strong supporter of amateur sport in communities across Canada, Kal Tire is excited to back a local facility that supports BCHL hockey, junior and senior lacrosse and ball hockey.

“Kal Tire has been a part of Vernon for 60 years now and our commitment to the community is strong,” Kal Tire president Robert Foord said. “We’re happy to support a facility for active families that encourages sport and healthy lifestyles.”

During its contract, Wesbild Holdings expressed concerns over a lack of events  and marketing at the multi-use facility, but the RDNO's Tannis Nelson says that's not an issue with Kal Tire.

"Kal Tire didn't indicate those concerns," Nelson said, adding efforts to attract events are ongoing. "We do want to celebrate our partnership with Wesbild... That community support is invaluable."

RDNO directors look forward to working with the Vernon based tire company.

“Kal Tire is an outstanding local company, always willing to encourage community recreation, and we are excited to be working with them and continuing to offer the community a multi-use recreational facility,” Patrick Nicol with the RDNO said. “Kal Tire has been giving back to the Vernon community for many years and this partnership will be a great extension of that community spirit.”

In addition to the NHL sized rink with seats for over 3,000, Kal Tire Place also offers a year-round indoor walking area and rollerblading surface in the summer months, both available to all North Okanagan residents. It has the capacity to host large scale events such as concerts and tradeshows, as well as dedicated meeting and banquet space. When the weather warms, the lower parking lot is home to the Vernon Farmer’s Market.

To contact the reporter for this story, email Charlotte Helston at chelston@infotelnews.ca or call (250)309-5230.

News from © iNFOnews, 2013