Process moves on for complex

By Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star - November 16, 2007

The legislative details for a Vernon referendum are in place. On Tuesday, council gave three readings Tuesday to a bylaw that would allow up to $30 million to be borrowed over 25 years for construction of a civic building. “This proposal deals with the RCMP, civic (staff), the library and the art gallery,” said Coun. Patrick Nicol. Final adoption of the bylaw would only proceed if a majority of voters supported borrowing during a Jan. 26 referendum.“We’ve been working on this for two years,” said Coun. Jack Gilroy.

The city could possibly only borrow $20 million if Okanagan Regional Library decides to own its space in the building and provides $9 million for construction. But $30 million would be needed if ORL opts to lease the space from the city.

Opposition continued to come from Coun. Barry Beardsell, who doesn’t want part of the lands next to city hall sold to Okanagan Regional Library for a new branch.“Don’t keep on the path of the library manipulating what happens in Vernon. This community is being led by the nose by the library,” he said. Beardsell’s comments brought a sharp response from Gilroy.“Being negative to this building is not helping. This is positive for the community,” said Gilroy. Earlier in the meeting, ORL made a pitch for a larger branch based on Greater Vernon’s population.

“Vernon should have a larger collection than it does and more technology. We would like to have a computer lab in Vernon,” said Lesley Dieno, ORL executive director.The proposed civic complex could also have space allotted for the Vernon Art Gallery.While there were initial concerns about the room available, that appears to have been resolved. “We understand that the plan showing 7,556-square-feet allocated to the gallery is not the final plan and we are totally amenable to the concept of common space such as the entry vestibule, mechanical and public washroom areas being excluded from the gallery designation,” said Marion Morrison, gallery president, in a letter to the city.“We would be able to support a concept plan showing a gallery allocation at 11,000 to 12,000-square-feet.”

Council also tackled the concerns of the Greater Vernon Museum Tuesday, voting not to reconsider a cultural centre on the Coldstream Hotel property. Museum officials have been concerned that the proposed civic complex does not include additional space for them. “The museum was not part of our original plan,” said Nicol. City staff have indicated that the existing museum could be expanded in future to provide more space.