REFERENDUM IS “ON” for 'cultural/civic complex'

Media Release
THE CITY OF VERNON DATE: October 12, 2007
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MEDIA CONTACT: Leon Gous, CAO
TELEPHONE: (250) 545-1361

The proposed new cultural/civic complex borrowing issue will go to referendum on January 26, 2007. Vernon City Council voted yesterday to ask the electorate to decide the future of the proposed cultural/civic site revitalization project.

Open to the public, today’s special Council meeting addressed the referendum issue at the conclusion of a presentation of a new design option which would include a new art gallery. Renowned Canadian architects, Diamond and Schmitt and CEI Architects presented a new design concept which now includes a new art gallery. Costs for the new option will be $30 million. Although $3 million more that last year’s original option, the architects pointed out that the original design submission did not include an art gallery.

Conveying his pleasure at Council’s decision to go to referendum, Mayor Wayne Lippert said, “I’m really pleased that we can now move ahead with the process. We needed to wait for the architect’s presentation before we voted for the referendum. I believe that most people want to see upgraded library and gallery facilities in Vernon, and I think this latest design option will be workable for all parties, especially the public. Since the existing facilities were built forty years ago, this project is timely and takes us forward for the next forty years. We’ll do our best at City Hall to present the details of the proposed project and its related costs to the public well before January.” The referendum seeks public’s support for the revitalization project and the borrowing of up to $30 million for construction.

Councillor and ORLB Board representative, Patrick Nicol noted that “The new Plaza will bring new life to the civic and cultural area and acts as the flagship of the revitalization of the downtown area, thereby encouraging a lot of opportunity for other projects in the future. The project resolves critical space issues for the RCMP and for the Library and Vernon Art Gallery as well. Cost-wise, this multi-use project makes sense, with all partners sharing the costs and ultimately realizing tremendous savings down the line. If we’re successful with capital grants this year, the borrowing of $30 million can be considerably reduced. Borrowing will occur only in phases and as required. Naturally, I’m looking to the public to support the project in January’s referendum.”