There’s a difference of opinion over the art gallery and how much space it could have in a new complex. City officials insist a proposed civic complex would include about 11,500-square-feet for the Vernon Public Art Gallery and not the
7,556-square-feet claimed by some art gallery representatives and politicians.“The 7,556-square-feet was for the show (exhibit) area,” said Mayor Wayne Lippert. “With the 11,500-square-feet, we’ve never put a solid number on it but they certainly need room for storage and offices.”The art gallery had sought a total of 15,000-square-feet. But about 3,000 of that includes washrooms, mechanical room and lobby and the city says that can be covered in the overall footprint of the complex which would include a library and offices for city staff and the RCMP.The 11,500-square-feet would be spread over two floors. Coun. Juliette Cunningham also stands behind the 11,500-square-feet and the planning process. “It’s a work in progress and there’s a lot of flexibility in the design,” he said.But Coun. Pat Cochrane says 7,556-square-feet was clearly discussed at a recent council meeting and he is not aware of 11,500-square-feet. “That’s different information than was given to council,” he said. “We need more discussion with them (art gallery). There’s no point in proceeding if the size is not realistic.”Marion Morrison, Vernon Public Art Gallery president, isn’t sure where the latest figures are coming from.“The plans we have say 7,556-square-feet for the gallery,” she said.“The space allocation for storage and prep work is inadequate. They aren’t exciting but they are necessary.”The gallery has stated it won’t support the complex or ask the Greater Vernon Services Committee for funding if its space requirements are not met.The city is looking to borrow $20 or $30 million for the $31 million project and a referendum is set for Jan. 26.
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