The City of Vernon is being accused of sliding a cultural complex
through the back door. The Vernon Taxpayers Association is 
questioning why the city is considering constructing a $28 million building for the library, art gallery and offices when a cultural complex was previously abandoned by council. “Our councillors seem fixated on applying a big box solution to perceived cultural needs,” states a press release. Tony Stamboulieh, association spokesman, believes this is another example of spot zoning and not long-term planning. “There is no overall vision or plan for developing the core,” he told The Morning Star. Key to the proposed three-storey building would be a 30,000-square-foot library branch on the main floor. But Stamboulieh questions the need for more space. “The library board has not really proven its case,” he said. “Go to major cities around the world and you don’t see libraries on one floor.” The association suggests the Vernon Recreation Complex auditorium be considered for a library. Stamboulieh insists there is a need for elected officials to be accountable to taxpayers, and a public conference should be held to discuss the future of cultural services. “From that, we could have something reflective of the community. That’s something we’ve been lacking,” he said.
Coun. Jack Gilroy says the building is proposed to address a lack of office space at city hall and the RCMP
detachments, while meeting the needs of the library and art gallery. “We’re trying to deal with these issues,” said Gilroy, who favours the building between the current library and city hall. “If we don’t get a move on, we will never have stuff. We’re looking at financing so it isn’t a big bang on our taxpayers.” Gilroy added that senior government grants are being sought for the project which would help lower costs. Carol Williams, Okanagan Regional Library chairman, refutes claims that a larger library isn’t required. “We have policies regarding sizes of branches and it’s proven to be the best policy to give the best possible service to the public,” she said. ORL wants a single-floor branch, according to Williams, to avoid the extra costs needed for an elevator, as well as staff for a second floor. In terms of the auditorium, Williams says it was reviewed, but deemed not suitable for a branch. “The main thing is it is not big enough,” she said.
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Don Quixote Note: With an area of 12,404 square feet, the auditorium can seat up to 1,000 theatre style, 718 for a banquet, 550 for a cabaret or 800 at a dance. http://www.greatervernonrecreation.ca/info/auditorium.html
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