Shannon Hardman, a coordinator with the City, shares more information on the proposed changes for the Tournament Capital Ranch.
(GLYNN BROTHEN / iNFOnews.ca)
August 14, 2014 - 8:01 PM
KAMLOOPS – Beehives, a bridge to Westsyde and a walking trail connecting to downtown are a few of the ideas submitted by the public at the City of Kamloops open house discussion on the Tournament Capital Ranch Thursday afternoon.
Members of the public interested in knowing more about the phase two proposal for the area outside of Rayleigh stopped in to fill out a survey about current suggestions and to add some of their own requests.
The proposal includes plans for a multi-purpose exhibition centre, an agricultural production area, a destination water park and a public trail along the North Thompson River with hopes to include a park area.
“People are keen about most of the ideas,” said Shannon Hardman, a coordinator who managed the display at the Tournament Capital Centre.
She added many have questions and ideas on the reserved agricultural land and whether it should be set up for farming. The city plans to reserve 30 hectares of space for agriculture production.
Hardman said she and other staff at the City recognize the space could also lead to more discussion and education about farming in the community.
The open house offered a briefing of the project and short, four page surveys for visitors to help city councillors make a decision on the space. In her last hour at the table, Hardman gathered about a dozen completed surveys.
“It would be nice to see it kept in agricultural use but with some kind of community attractions as well that are compatible (with farming),” said Tom Waldichuk, a TRU professor visiting the display.
Waldichuk said the result of the proposal will have more of an effect on those living near Rayleigh or Heffley Creek. One point he made was the lack of transportation to get to the grounds 18 kilometres away from downtown.
“You pretty much have to have a car to get out there,” he said.
To contact a reporter for this story, email gbrothen@infotelnews.ca, or call 250-319-7494. To contact the editor, email mjones@infotelnews.ca or call 250-718-2724.
News from © iNFOnews, 2014