Skip to content

Demands growing to keep gymnastics facility open

RDNO considering shutting down Okanagan Rhythmic Gymnastics club.
71410vernon12975vernonlv-rhythmic-112-2916
The Regional District of North Okanagan could shut down the Okanagan Rhythmic Gymnastics facility in the BX.

Pressure is mounting on the Regional District of North Okanagan to allow a recreational facility to remain open.

RDNO directors Wednesday will consider a recommendation to not legalize use of a building on East Vernon Road by the Okanagan Rhythmic Gymnastics club.

"The Okanagan Rhythmic Gymnastics club is a high profile organization that takes part in many community events," said Scott Anderson, a Vernon city councillor who does not sit at RDNO.

The issue stems from a single health and safety complaint by an individual in early 2015.

"Although the business has worked diligently with the district and has met all health and safety conditions set out by the district, a new issue has arisen because the size of the building is slightly too large for its permitted use within the Agricultural Land Reserve," said Anderson.

"The building was there when the business owner purchased it in 2009, and the RDNO was consulted as to its proposed use. It has passed all fire and health and safety inspections and has been cooperative with the RDNO throughout this exhausting two year process, and now, because of a minor technicality that can be fixed with the stroke of a pen, it faces closure."

The final vote on the future of the gym rests with the five electoral area directors and Anderson says they have the power to designate the business a home occupation use and issue a variance.

"This gymnastic club goes beyond being a mere business. It is not only one of the few venues available to youth, but as an added bonus it is actually self-sufficient, and has cost tax payers nothing.  There is absolutely no reason for the directors not to save this important facility," he said.

Anderson is urging residents to attend the RDNO board meeting Wednesday at 4 p.m.

"If this facility is singled out for closure on the basis of a technicality, it will be a gross injustice not only to the owners but to the youth of the North Okanagan.  Especially considering that the business owners have worked in good faith with the RDNO staff to resolve every issue," he said.

RDNO officials state the building was constructed as a farm use and it’s being used for assembly purposes.

“A building permit was issued for a use they are not using it for," said Bob Fleming, board chairperson.

Fleming also points out that three other structures have been constructed without permits.

The club owner has suggested that the original health and safety complaint in 2015 came from a regional district employee.

Fleming doesn’t know if the potential role of an RDNO employee has been investigated.

“Before the meeting, I will try and find that out. But it’s somewhat irrelevant because it only would have brought to light the (land use) non-compliance. You have rules and you enforce them, or you don’t.”