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By John McDonald
Councillors at the District of West Kelowna have rejected a request by promoters of Targa Bambina, a staged road rally race to hold a one-day event on the May long weekend.
Citing concerns about fire hazards, noise, lack of community support and the short time frame, councillors voted 5-2 to reject the application from Targa Canada West.
Organizers asked to close Glenrosa Road from Fenton Road to Crystal Mountain. They expected approximately 60 cars to enter the race. If approved, it would have been a precursor to a five-day event proposed for next year.
Kelly Silverhorn, a representative of Targa Canada West, answered dozens of questions from councillors about the proposed event. He told them that other Targa events in New Zealand and Newfoundland attract thousands of spectators and pump millions of dollars into the local economy. He also reviewed the safety record of the event and the top speeds that competitors would be driving.
Michael Trenn, president of the Glenrosa Neighbourhood Association, presented a petition from local residents opposed to the event, stressing the rural nature of the neighbourhood and the concerns of residents with large animals worried about noise.
Coun. Rosalind Neis voted for provisional approval of the event, pending the ability of organizers to satisfy concerns of residents and requirements from district staff on emergency service access.
Coun. Bryden Winsby argued that the applicant had not been given a proper chance to go through the event approval process.
Promoter Silverhorn said afterward that he viewed the rejection as just one step in the process. He was heading to Summerland to address council there about holding part of the event in that community.
news@kelowna.com
8 Responses to “West Kelowna council rejects Targa Bambina rally race”
Tags: glenrosa road, road race, targa bambina
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That’s to bad looked like a fun well planed event.
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God forbid we should do anything fun, given the risk that people from “outside” might actually want to come here. Over to you Summerland.
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Have you been in a car rally as I have. It’s not a full out race but driving to specific time parameters. It’s not NASCAR … so cool out West Kelowna councillors!
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I am so disappointed in the District West Kelowna for not allowing the process to go on. This could be an amazing way to promote or community on a national scale. I was looking forward to having an event in our own backyard. I am sure the local businesses will miss out on the economic boost this event could have brought to our community in the years to come, especially if this event becomes as large as the other Targa Events in the world.
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One wonders where West Kelowna Councilors allegiance lies? Would an event such as this be advantageous to draw interest and dollars into the community? The previous comment by Steven is so on the mark, why not be promoted by events such as this to a national audience? The economic boost and the opportunity to present the community to a national, maybe even international audience is what is needed to build strong local business. Local businesses need the dollars coming in from outside the community so there is more to invest in the future.
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Yes, bring money into A tax strpped community would be oh so hrooble. People might actually have fun in the process. Wouldn’t want that now, would we?
I still think The Westsides new Name should have been “Dumberland” or possibly “Whine Country”.
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As a former race promoter. We have lost alot of events due to to noisey thoughts or enivormental concerns. I personally can not understand how people can put on a charity event with bands, 1000 of people involved and create alot of noice and not feel this is not bothering anybody. But thats okay .i am not a tree hugger. i am a person who believes in life is to short and any kind of win fall for the community is all good.
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This is sad news in the world of motorsports or what little motorsports we have in the valley. Its too bad that closed minded Politian’s have shut down a real eye catching family event. The local publics misguided view of motorsports is could have been reshaped by this one event. Even conservative retired people would have appreciated the vintage autos and the family atmosphere that would have been ours. Look at Newfoundland. This is opportunity swashed by scaremongering in regards to the environment and fire!! Fire and ambulance would be on site. Enviromental concerns, noise pollution give me a break. One working man in a D9 does more damage in an hour than exhaust from all these cars at 7000 rpm. Community people this would be good for our community, end of story!
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