Council disbands cultural committee

By RICHARD ROLKEMorning Star StaffJul 26 2006 http://www.vernonmorningstar.com/
Vernon’s cultural complex committee has been handed its walking papers.
Council voted unanimously Monday to disband the cultural complex committee and that has chairman Sigrid-Ann questioning where the community goes next in terms of addressing the long-term needs of cultural agencies. “I don’t get a sense of what their direction is. It’s very vague,” she said. “It (scrapping the committee) is not a positive move. It’s a move.” Thors isn’t sure that council is trying to fulfill the terms of the committee’s report, which was presented two weeks ago. “They’re trying to decide what to do with that (Coldstream Hotel) lot. Some on council see culture as important and some don’t, so I’ll be interested to see what they do.” Thors acknowledged, though, that the committee was a child of the city. “They have every right to do that,” she said of bringing the process to an end. “We fulfilled our mandate and there was lots of good work done.” Councillors defended terminating the committee. “The committee needs to be thanked for all its hard work. The reality is they’ve fulfilled their mandate and council is moving forward,” said Coun. Pat Cochrane. The city had mandated the committee look at establishing a central home for the museum, library and art gallery. Council now wants to look at a variety of issues such as establishing a cultural district or pursing some private development to help make the concept a reality. The city recently decided to look at expanding the current library building, and Coun. Jack Gilroy is convinced that having several cultural sites downtown is the best move. “We could make a cultural zone with greenways and pathways,” he said. “Right now, the cultural complex at $29 to $39 million is not looking good for the taxpayer.” While the committee has been disbanded, its members may be utilized in an advisory role in future.