Storefront info centre at Garage Gallery until June 17 voting day

By Julie TurnerrnOsoyoos Times

Rocky Mountain Turf Club CEO Max Gibb wants to bring the equestrian glory days back to Desert Park and he wants the input of the community to help realize that dream.
Gibb, accompanied by RMTC General Manager Rose Rossi, was in town last week to set up his storefront and architectural drawings for his racino proposal. The first to get a look at the plans was local group Friends of Desert Park last Thursday evening. And the 40 or so attendees, the majority of whom were horse enthusiasts, were ready to hear what Gibb had to say.
Two sets of draft plans were on display Thursday, and will be on display at Garage Gallery and Coffee Co. (across from the liquor store) until voting day, June 17. The plans are likely to evolve as Gibb hears ideas from the community over the next month.
Gibb's plans for Desert Park are for a two-phased development. Phase 1, at $1.1 million, will upgrade and enhance the facility to kick-start horse racing events as early as next year. Phase 2, at $5.2 million, will include a long-term upgrade based on operating successes.
Max Gibb is trying to duplicate here in Osoyoos the entertainment value that Rocky Mountain Turf Club has brought to the Lethbridge area, said Friends of Desert Park President Richard Tessier, adding it is important for people to get informed, and get out and vote. He appealed to the community for help in manning the storefront and ultimately helping to save Desert Park.
He went on to say that with Gibb's redevelopment of Desert Park, which (if the June 17 plebiscite passes) will include the return of horse racing and the addition of some 75-100 slot machines on the premises, Osoyoos residents will have an opportunity to keep its tax base lower, create employment and tourism opportunities and see some other community benefits.
Gibb, a former jockey, said he has always had a passion for horse racing. He had retired as CEO of the Alberta Sports Council in 1995 and was looking forward to life on his ranch. In 1996, he was approached by the Alberta government and asked to run the Lethbridge racetrack. When he lost $129,000 the first year, he went to the government and said, It's not going to work.
They suggested putting in slot machines. Now, I never thought I would be a casino owner, but the slots changed everything. The Rocky Mountain Turf Club revived live horse racing in Southern Alberta, Gibb said.
Live race days increased from 18 in 1995 to 50 today, and total purses have risen from $220,000 to $2.7 million. Gibb says his company brings a $40 million economic benefit to Lethbridge and Southern Alberta. Projections for Osoyoos have been estimated at $300,000 to $500,000 in economic spin-offs.
Gibb said he's aware of the community's concerns about gambling addiction and said the B.C. Gaming Commission has programs to help people with gaming addictions. He also said staff at RMTC have been trained to recognize the signs of problem gambling in Alberta and he can see the same for Osoyoos.
He says he was encouraged to come to Osoyoos and respond to the Request for Proposals to manage Desert Park, because he has always loved this area; it's where I want to spend a lot of my time.rnRossi also loves the area. B.C.-born, she used to spend her summer holidays in Grand Forks. I'm happy to be here in Osoyoos. It's a beautiful town, she said. She was also quick to point out how community-focused the RMTC operation is in Lethbridge, and said the same opportunities for community-based fundraisers will exist in Osoyoos.
We want to work with the community, to blend in to the area and add to what you already have. There won't be big neon flashing signs, Rossi said. She added that she is also a big believer in bringing youth and horses together and sees that as another opportunity for both recreation and for teaching kids responsibility.
Tessier agreed that a revitalized Desert Park would give the young and young-at-heart a place to play at a variety of events.
Most important, Rocky Mountain Turf Club wants to be a part of the community, save the park and enhance its use and diversity so that all can enjoy its equestrian tradition. Friends of Desert Park will be at the storefront location until voting day, June 17, so come in, have a coffee and join in the fun of helping to save Desert Park.
Councillor Allan Carswell, who once spearheaded Friends of Desert Park and worked to save the park, said he was pleased to see Gibb in Osoyoos, showing his vision for the future of Desert Park.
His plan includes all the elements that Friends of Desert Park had in their original plan, with the addition of the racino. This project would bring benefits to the community in terms of full time jobs, extra tax income, and additional entertainment options but would also maintain the public parkland aspect that was fundamental to the Friends of Desert Park plan.
Carswell added that he hopes the town's residents will take the opportunity to look at the details of the proposal and then go to the polls on June 17, whether they wish to vote 'yes' or 'no'.
My goal is to make Desert Park live and breathe again for the community, with the community, Gibb said.