GVSC eyes auditorium upgrades

By RICHARD ROLKEMorning Star Staff Jan 26 2007 http://www.vernonmorningstar.com/

Efforts are under way to try and preserve community access to the Greater Vernon auditorium while increasing its profitability. The Greater Vernon Services Commission decided Thursday to do a cost-analysis of renovations, as well as possibly setting aside funds for upgrades to the structure within the Vernon Recreation Complex. “We may be spending more money but we’ll be making it more usable,” said director Wayne Lippert.

Among the potential renovations are removal of the concert tiers to create more space and replacing the linoleum flooring. To address ongoing financial losses, the auditorium may be rented out to the North Valley Gymnastics Club. “It only makes sense to have a tenant in there and to work around that tenant for other events,” said Gary Corner, GVSC chairman. If the gymnastics club moved into the space, equipment would be taken down to accommodate other rentals. “We’re hopeful we can work with all groups that use the space. We don’t want to exclude anyone,” said Pam Hargreaves, club director.

A lack of space has forced the club, and its up to 400 members, into limited activities for the last two years. “We have members waiting to register and we’re at a standstill,” said Hargreaves.“We’ve explored all options in this community.” The club would be prepared to put some financial resources towards the facility. Hargreaves says a partnership with GVSC would provide the club with a home while lessening the financial burden of taxpayers on the facility.Besides North Valley Gymnastics, the facility could be used by the Silver Star Freestyle Club and the B.C. Freestyle Association.

Director Barry Beardsell was not impressed with a consultant’s report on the auditorium and he has concerns about the gymnastics club moving in. “I don’t think it’s the right facility for them and we should do something (else) under the master plan for them,” he said.
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Hundred Thousand Reno for Rec Centre Auditorium.(Pete McIntyre)
One local politician wonders how much more taxpayers money will be sunk into the RecCentre Auditorium . Acting on the advice from an 18-thousand dollar study, Greater Vernon Services will budget another 150-thousand for renovations to increase usage of the nearly 40 year old facility. The committee will also consider hiring a promotions person to market the building. Vernon director Barry Beardsell realizes the public wants the facility to remain open, but at what cost.'With the lack of energy efficiency in such an old building, you heard today that, what is the system...1968, is that the way you keep going with old facilities?'

Chairman Gary Corner says they're also looking at securing a permanent tenant,'In this case we're looking at one of the gymnastics clubs in town. It would be nice to have a permanent group in there year round that can also move aside. We need to have usage of that from some of the other groups.' The auditorium runs a yearly deficit of up to 170-thousand dollars.