Two Sites Considered For Complex

Vernon, BC, Canada / 1075 Beach Radio Vernon Pete McIntyre May 25, 2018 03:30 pm

The chair of the Greater Vernon Advisory Committee says it’s basically down to two sites for a proposed new cultural complex. Plans for the 40 million dollar multi purpose facility were unveiled this week by the Regional District of North Okanagan. Juliette Cunningham says the former Coldstream Hotel parking lot on 32nd Avenue and 29th Street, and the Civic Arena site are the preferred locations. She says both are owned by the city of Vernon. “We’ve sent a letter to the city, asking for them to confirm the site they would prefer to give up for the project,” Cunningham tells Beach Radio News. Cunningham says another possible site, the former Flower Shop on 31st Avenue, is not practical. “The configuration of that is not practical. It’s kind of a small piece that jots out towards 32nd Avenue, so it’s just awkward layout of a site.” Cunningham says they are working towards a joint facility, with also some space for community groups. “Basically it could be used for smaller events. That’s what we found when we did the cultural master plan was the need for a venue like that because the Performing Arts Centre is too big for some of the groups.” She says they are trying to organize a referendum for this October, on borrowing 25 million dollars for the 40 million dollar project. “Probably by the end of June we’ll have an idea is that’s feasible or not. We would like to do that because it’s quite cost effective.”

Centre Considered For Grant

Vernon, BC, Canada / 1075 Beach Radio Vernon Pete McIntyre April 06, 2018 04:12 pm

The Greater Vernon Advisory Committee will consider providing a grant to the Caetani Cultural Centre in Vernon. The 120 year old house on Pleasant Valley Road has requested 35-thousand dollars to help with asbestos removal and electrical upgrades from their building which will open to the public in June. The group will be asked to formally apply for a grant, which will go through the normal review process. Susan Brandoli from the Centre told GVAC in March, the funding would also allow greater community access and additional opportunities for fundraising. “It may put them in the right direction to make more money, and make them more self-sustainable,” says Bob Fleming, GVAC director. The Centre was recently awarded a BC Gaming grant of 75-thousand dollars.

107.5 BEACH RADIO Vernon Poll

http://www.beachradiovernon.ca/
Results as at 2 PM
Where do you think a new combined Vernon Art Gallery and Museum should go?
Vernon Flower Shop site (6)
Coldstream Hotel Site (12)
Civic Arena land (27)
Polson Park (3)

Plans For Cultural Facility Outlined

Vernon, BC, Canada / 1075 Beach Radio Vernon Pete McIntyre January 24, 2018 04:12 pm
A consulting team has outlined the general features for a multi-purpose cultural facility for Greater Vernon. Diamond Schmidt Architects is recommending a 57-thousand square foot space, to house an art galley, museum and other public space. Greater Vernon Advisory chair Juliette Cunningham says the study has shown the groups can share a facility — and benefit from it. “It creates bigger opportunities for reaching a greater audience, so that’s really positive. The evidence shows that happens. The attendance for both the co-located organizations really goes up dramatically,” Cunningham told Beach Radio News following a special GVAC meeting at the Okanagan Regional Library, due to ongoing renovations at the RDNO office.Cunningham says there’s also plans for common space for other organizations. “We’ve heard there is a need for a smaller space. Music groups, dance groups, whatever, where they need 250 to 300 seats. That kind of thing, and that’s a model that’s been used across the country.”

The study mentions four publicly-owned sites to consider: the Vernon Flower Shop, Coldstream Hotel site, Polson Park, and the Civic Arena land. Detailed cost estimates for those sites will be among the next steps. The committee hasn’t ruled out considering private sites, but one of the consultants said those can be challenging as they may not be available for long, due to the hot real estate market. The executive director of the Vernon Art Gallery likes the general program for a proposed new cultural facility.Dauna Kennedy-Grant says it’s been a positive process. “They’ve met with all of the stakeholders, in terms of what we need for programming space, and they’ve taken all that and kind of combined it to see what needs to be dedicated space, and what needs to be shared space,” says Kennedy Grant. Kennedy-Grant says they like the look of the plan. “It’s probably doubling the art gallery space (from current), probably doubling the museum space. That’s what we’re looking at, but some of the services, we will be able to share. Back of house services and stuff like that.” GVAC and RDNO officials hope to have enough information in place to hold a referendum on a cultural facility during this October’s municipal elections.

Click here for more on the cultural facility plan.
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Also see  https://www.vernonmorningstar.com/news/four-sites-eyed-for-new-vernon-cultural-facility/

Multi-Purpose Cultural Facility

GREATER VERNON ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING

Wednesday, January 24, 2018

Okanagan Regional Library - Main Meeting Room

2800 30 Avenue, Vernon, BC

10:30 a.m.

Greater Vernon Multi-Purpose Cultural Facility          Presentation by Diamond Schmitt Architects Consulting Team          Greater Vernon Multi-Purpose Cultural Facility Plan - Draft

New Cultural Centre For Vernon A Step Closer

Vernon, BC, Canada / 1075 KISS FM Tom Mark August 21, 2017 06:42 am
RDNO staff are being directed to begin the process of preparing a Request for Proposal for for a consultant study on a new multi-purpose cultural facility for Vernon. Board Chair Bob Fleming says the board approved the first two phases of study. “It’s an odd term, but we’re calling it a ‘right-sizing. So we’re looking at what could be in the facility. Obviously the two main anchors being looked at are the museum and the art gallery. But they are also looking at multi-use space.” Fleming says they’ve also looked at other facilities. “In the report, there was a comparison to communities that have facilities relatively recently built and what sizes have been constructed in other communities. The types of facilities.” One hundred thousand dollars has been set aside for the process, including the eventual design. The consultant will also look at possible locations. “What are the best places? What are the upsides and what are the downsides to any one location? You know, obviously access, parking, proximity to other services.” The third phase would be the actual design. It all has to be approved by the Greater Vernon Advisory Committee.

Cultural process proceeds

RICHARD ROLKE Morning Star Thu Jul 20th, 2017 6:00pmNEWS

Greater Vernon residents may get a chance next year to vote on the future of cultural amenities.On Thursday, the Greater Vernon Advisory Committee initiated a request for proposals to design and plan a multi-use cultural facility.“We will start working on the location and viability of mixed space,” said Juliette Cunningham, chairperson.Depending on how the process unfolds, a borrowing referendum for construction may be held by November 2018.“Ultimately, it will be the taxpayers that decide,” said Cunningham.

The Greater Vernon Museum would like a new facility from 23,0000 to 30,000-square-feet in size while the Vernon Public Art Gallery has stated 18,000-square-feet is needed for programming, exhibitions and storage.It has previously been suggested that the cost could be about $35 million, but the preliminary design and planning process would identify a more concrete price tag. A new art gallery was formerly targeted for the old flower shop site on 31st Avenue while it was previously proposed that the museum be expanded, but Cunningham says GVAC has no preconceived notions about location.“We want a comprehensive analysis on where it could be located,” she said, adding that while the issue of cultural facilities has been around for years, she is confident action is being taken. “I get the sense that there is political will to address it in a meaningful way.”
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http://www.rdno.ca/agendas/131205_gvac_agn.pdf   p.33-221
http://vernonblog.blogspot.ca/2013/12/gvac-agenda-thursday-dec-5-8-am.html

Multi-use Cultural Facility – Preliminary Design and Planning RFP

GREATER VERNON ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING
Thursday, July 20, 2017 Boardroom - 9848 Aberdeen Road, Coldstream, BC 9:00 a.m.

Multi-use Cultural Facility – Preliminary Design and Planning RFP
Staff reported dated June 14, 2017

RECOMMENDATION 2 Page 2 - 10

That it be recommended to the Board of Directors, staff be directed to issue the RFP #2017-P12 – Greater Vernon Multi-Purpose Cultural Facility Functional Program, Site Analysis and Conceptual Design, as included in the staff report dated June 14, 2017.
170614_RPT_GVAC_MPCF_Workplan

Cultural Facility Reserve Debated Vernon

1075 KISS FM Pete McIntyre January 26, 2017 05:35 pm
Local politicians are talking about the idea for a cultural facility reserve fund. Greater Vernon Advisory Chair Juliette Cunningham says staff is suggesting 187 thousand dollars be used for a future new facility. “So it’s just a matter of deciding so you take it out of a reserve or do you take it out of taxation I guess. That will be the next thing we have to answer as a committee,” says Cunningham. However, Director Bob Spiers is concerned taxpayers money would be put away to build a possible new facility, rather than maintain existing ones. “You don’t tax people now to put money away I guess for the capital costs of an art gallery and museum. That’s what those two are for,” says Spiers. Other directors like Jim Garlick and Doug Dirk had concerns with putting money into a reserve fund for a new facility. However, Cunningham says as part of the new cultural plan, the committee agreed to look at a facility reserve. Director Jim Garlick suggested its important to start looking at possible sites for a new facility, some of which the regional district may already own. The discussion came during debate of the 2017 Greater Vernon Parks, Recreation and Culture budget which will need more discussion before its approved.

Demand, inflation force library budget increase proposal

by Staff Writer - Vernon Morning Star posted Sep 25, 2016 at 1:00 AM— updated Sep 25, 2016 at 6:55 AM

Increased demand for library services are putting pressure on the ORL’s wallet. The Okanagan Regional Library Board directors have reviewed the proposed budget for 2017 as well as progress on the library system’s strategic plan and coming priorities. Finance Committee Chair Lori Mindnich, the ORL rep from Lumby council, presented a budget for the coming year that would include a 1.98 per cent increase to the 2016 operating budget of $18.3 million, consisting primarily of inflationary expenses (1.6 per cent), with roughly $70,000 (or 0.38 per cent) of new initiatives. Mindnich explained that the goals of the finance committee were to continue to keep the overall budget affordable with current inflation levels, while focusing any changes on strategic items outlined in the ORL’s Strategic Plan and maintaining critical core services. CEO Stephanie Hall adds: “New dollars target the increasing demand for library programming, learning initiatives, and outreach, and training for staff to assist the public with the sweeping technology changes present today. “In 2015, the ORL saw a 20 per cent increase in attendance at classes and programs, with adult attendance doubling.” The board will vote on the 2017 budget at their November meeting.

ORL staff also reported on implementation of the newly-adopted Strategic Plan which is focused on transforming the library to meet the changing learning needs of Southern Interior residents. Highlighted reports included a review of the ORL’s Information Technology infrastructure, which is facing a number of challenges. Demand for bandwidth and Wi-Fi access continues to increase, with free hours used at 57 Wi-Fi hotspots increasing from 160,000 hours in 2014 to 341,000 hours in 2015. Also highlighted were the Master Plan for the downtown Kelowna branch’s revitalization and new targeted services available to members with print disabilities. The ORL can provide free home delivery and download of materials for the blind, for people with learning disabilities, and for those who can’t physically contend with standard print materials.In addition, with the help of the Central Okanagan Foundation, the ORL recently launched a pilot to loan out tablets preloaded with these special materials. It is estimated that 10 per cent of the Canadian population has impairments reading traditional print formats and many in the public aren’t aware of free services available to them through the library.
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Don Quixote Note: The 2016  Residential Vernon Library mill rate was .18380 per 1000 of assessed value. This will increase to .18744 in 2017.  My personal bill will increase rom $95.21 to $97.10 assuming no change in my property assessment .

In Coldstream the 2016  Residential Vernon Library mill rate was .1874 per 1000 of assessed value. This will increase to .1911 in 2017.

Museum fire probed

Kate Bouey - CASTANET Sep 9, 2016 / 12:19 pm |
An early morning fire behind the Greater Vernon Museum and Archives has been labelled as suspicious, confirms fire investigator Lawrie Skolrood.The RCMP are now involved in the case, said Skolrood.Officers were at the scene Friday morning, guarding the evidence while the investigation continued. Meanwhile, museum officials have expressed relief that no items were damaged by the blaze which raged just behind the building. "Nothing inside has been affected at all, really, so that's really lucky,” said archivist Barb Bell, who had rushed down to the scene in the dark after word of the fire to inspect the damage. "It's all related to history, Vernon's history, so it is irreplaceable." "We're just really lucky that the valuable contents of the museum and the collections of the community are safe," said Tracy Satin, executive director. The cause of a fire in roofing materials behind the Greater Vernon Museum and Archives is under investigation. Vernon Fire Rescue responded to a report of a fire around 2:30 a.m. Friday, said deputy fire chief Jack Blair. “While they were sizing up the area, they found flames behind the building,” said Blair. “It appeared to be in a porta potty and roofing materials.” The museum is currently being re-roofed. Firefighters wore full protective gear, including breathing apparatus, because there was thick, black smoke caused by burning plastics, Blair said. “It is under investigation,” said Blair. “An investigator will be there this morning to look into the cause.”
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New Curator Hired For Museum

Posted on 8/10/2016 11:33 AM by Pete McIntyre 107.5 KISSFM
The Greater Vernon Museum and Archives has hired a new Director/Curator. "We have hired Tracy Satin, who despite the fact we got applications from all over Canada, Tracy lives in Kelowna, so she is close at hand, and she stood head and shoulders above all the other applications," interim curator Ken Mather tells Kiss FM. Satin will be taking over her management duties August 15th. Mather has been filling in at the position since long time curator Ron Candy retired in April. Satin has held numerous jobs over the past 20 years in the museum sector, most recently with the Westbank First Nation's museum. Satin has an MA from the University of Alberta and a Diploma in Collections Management from Sir Sanford Fleming College. "After working as an Assistant Curator at the University of Alberta Classics Museum, she spent three summers doing archaeological excavations in Ossia, Italy, before working as a Conservator at the Scugog Shores Historical Museum in Port Perry, Ontario," reads a media release from the museum. "She then became a Conservation Intern at the International Centre for the study of Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property in Rome and a Conservation Consultant at the Keats-Shelley Memorial House in Rome. She furthered her development in the field of museum conservation at the National Museum of American History, Smithsonian Institution from 2001 until 2004. During that time, she worked on the conservation of the 1813 Star Spangled Banner flag in Washington, which inspired the American National Anthem."
Satin worked as the Conservator at the Kelowna Museums from 2004 to 2006, after which she became the Associate Director in charge of collections and conservation for the Kelowna Museums until 2012. Then she was hired by the Westbank First Nations Museum as the Heritage Officer. Board Chairman, Dan Stuart says, “Tracy will be a welcome addition to the museum and archives, especially as we look forward to a new multi-purpose facility to house the museum and art gallery in the future.”

$60,000 For New Roof For Museum

Posted on 8/8/2016 6:57 AM by Ron Manz 107.6 KISSFM
The Greater Vernon Museum and Archives is finally getting a new roof.Costly leaks have been happening in recent times so GVAC approved spending $60-thousand dollars last week for a replacement roof.In the meantime, the search is on for a possible new location for the museum and Vernon art gallery.GVAC Chair Juliette Cunningham says no specific property has been decided on yet."We'll see if it's going to be feasible to be co-located. If at that point we will see what space requirements are and then look at what properties are available to accommodate that."The art gallery is hoping to relocate from the parkade to a site opposite Cenotaph Park where a flower shop used to be.Cunningham says it is a site being considered."There's nothing saying that may not happen. One of our goals is to try and build a more multi-use facility for culture. We are looking at perhaps having a black box space which is a common area that can be used by other groups in the community. We are looking at all those options."Cunningham says the roof replacement was a necessary expenditure. "Even if we were to go to referendum in the near future, those buildings don't get built overnight. It's prudent to still replace that roof. We did receive a $100,000 grant from the Federal Government so we think it is good value for the community."
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Museum roof replacement - budget shortfall
FINANCIAL/BUDGETARY CONSIDERATIONS:
Source Status
$100,000 General Revenue (2016) Approved - 2016 Financial Plan (060)
$ 20,000 Operating Reserves (capital carry-forward) Approved - 2016 Financial Plan (060)
$100,000 Canada 150 Infrastructure Program
$ 60,000 Operating Reserves Approved Proposed 2016 Financial Plan amendment (060)

The Greater Vernon Parks, Recreation and Culture reserve balance is currently $960K, but this includes  $360,000 that has already been allocated within the 2016 budget. The net unallocated balance of the reserve is currently $600,000.

Team To Look Into Multi Purpose Cultural Facility

Posted on 7/7/2016 12:31 PM by Pete McIntyre 107.5 KISSFM
A new facility housing local arts and culture groups under one roof is getting some political traction. The Greater Vernon Advisory Committee has approved forming an action team to look into a multi purpose building that could accommodate an art gallery, museum and other groups. GVAC director Mike Macnabb says it makes more sense than each group having separate facilities. "I think it's a great use of space, and that's where we should be looking. There is common ground for the museum and art gallery, and to duplicate in two separate facilities does not make sense to me, so I think this is a fantastic way of approaching it," Macnabb tells Kiss FM. The action team will include arts and culture reps, an Okanagan Indian Band member, Black Box Performance Space, Social Planning Council, an architect, a community member, GVAC directors, and will be led by regional district staff. The team will give input and make recommendations to the RDNO board. "I'm glad that staff will be there directing it. We don't want them running off in different directions, and all coming with different proposals, saying what they individually want. We want a shared vision coming forward," adds Macnabb, director for BX Silver Star. GVAC chair Juliette Cunningham says the end goal will be for a referendum on the issue, perhaps by next year. "We are really trying to accelerate it because there's been a lot of frustration from the cultural community. This is something that's been asked for for some time, and I think we have the fundamentals in place now to get some momentum," says Cunningham. GVAC director Jim Garlick says the idea of the groups using shared space, could cut down on the building's size. "We need to look at the requests, the projections for area, and the past uses, and there's really overlap in it, so we need to make best use of the area within the buildings." No potential sites have been mentioned yet.

Society blasts government's Coldstream amphitheatre decision

by Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star posted Jun 1, 2016 at 3:00 PM— updated Jun 2, 2016 at 7:40 AM

A government decision could be the kiss of death for an outdoor performance venue anywhere in the Okanagan. The provincial government announced Wednesday that it will not allow a ravine at Okanagan College to be used by the Okanagan Summer Festival Society for an amphitheatre. “The process was short-circuited,” said Diane Bond, society spokesperson, adding that planning for the facility wasn’t to the stage that the government had been asked permission to use the site. As owner of the land in question, the provincial government has final say on development matters. “This was an initiative to benefit a large number of people. The valley is trying to establish itself as a cultural destination and what it doesn’t have is a marquee attraction,” said Bond. “People sought me out and said this was a good idea. They said this was needed in the North Okanagan. You are losing a big opportunity.” Bond says the ravine at the college and the view of Kalamalka Lake were well-suited for the 5,500-seat amphitheatre and it may be impossible to find another location. “The requirements are very exacting,” she said. “If you don’t have a site, you have nothing to sell. I can’t ask people for money and talk to the government without a site.” The provincial government’s decision Wednesday was good news for adjacent neighbours concerned about potential noise, traffic and the environment. “We are relieved and we are happy,” said resident Joan Rowan. “We thought it was wrong from the get-go. We did what we had to do to stop it. The proposal caused a lot of worry and sleepless nights.” The government nixed plans for the amphitheatre after consultation with Eric Foster, Vernon-Monashee MLA. “It’s a good idea – potentially very good for the community – but it’s the wrong location,” said Foster. “I feel that an amphitheatre at that location would degrade the quality of life for residents who live near the campus.” “I made my feelings, and the feelings of local residents, clear to the Ministry of Advanced Education that this project should not go ahead, and the ministry agreed,” said Foster. Coldstream council had opposed the Kal Bowl proposal. “I had no problem with the concept of an amphitheatre but the location was all wrong for Coldstream,” said Coun. Pat Cochrane. “I am surprised the government acted so forcefully but I am pleased they have.”

And the paint goes on

by Kate Bouey - CASTANET May 21, 2016 / 5:00 am

A new mural in Vernon's downtown is getting some colour. Artist James Postill is working on his creation on the east wall of the Powerhouse Theatre building, on 35th Avenue. The mural shows the history of the building, from the days when it generated power for Vernon to its transformation into a local venue for plays. “It actually used to be a power generating station for Vernon,” said Postill. “I grew up here and I never knew until I started the Powerhouse project.” Pointing to the top right-hand corner of the mural, Postill explains the scene is from the Powerhouse's version of the Mad Woman of Chaillot. It was staged for the theatre's Nov. 23rd, 1963 gala opening. This is the 25th day of painting for Postill who is being aided by artist Alexa Harwood-Jones. He said the work is expected to be completed by June 25th.

$7 million invested in B.C. artists and arts organizations

The BC Arts Council is distributing more than $7 million to 313 artists and arts organizations throughout the province as part of a recent round of grant adjudications. This investment supports a thriving creative economy in British Columbia, with recipients representing 93 B.C. communities.

https://www.bcartscouncil.ca/documents/publicationforms/pdfs/recipientlist_oct_dec2015.pdf

Local Recipients:

• Vernon GREATER VERNON MUSEUM & ARCHIVES 24,000 Operating Assistance - Museums 
• Vernon NORTH OKANAGAN, ARTS COUNCIL OF THE 17,735 Community Arts Councils
•  Vernon O'KEEFE RANCH & INTERIOR HERITAGE SOCIETY 34,000 Operating Assistance - Museums
• Vernon VERNON PUBLIC ART GALLERY SOCIETY 16,500 Operating Assistance - Visual Arts
• Enderby ENDERBY AND DISTRICT ARTS COUNCIL 12,565 Community Arts Councils

Another Referendum is Likely

Posted on 3/28/2016 6:45 AM by Ron Manz 107.5 KISSFM
Greater Vernon residents could be heading for another referendum. The chair of the Greater Vernon Museum and Archives, Dan Stuart, believes a new expanded museum and art gallery are a must for the community. He adds, it took a referendum to get the ball rolling on a new arena....and he feels the same situation exists for the museum and art gallery. "They got the referendum on the arena passed, although we are dealing with a different group of people. There are people that want art galleries and want museums and want cultural things out there." Stuart says they have a whole new board that has been elected and they plan to be very vocal about getting approval for a new art gallery and expanded museum facility....and a referendum to approve that construction is likely. "We're really going to be pushing this museum-art gallery and the funding and everything the Regional District is working on because we are going to have representatives on that steering committee as well." Stuart says the arts community is growing and this issue is bigger than just the museum and art gallery. ":We're not just talking just the art gallery or just the museum. There are more groups involved in this overall. We have to look at the bigger picture. It will all be looked at as a whole with other information we will have to pull into the whole thing." The Regional District North Okanagan approved the new Greater Vernon Cultural Plan last week which covers a new art gallery and expanded museum.
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107.5 KISSFM POLL Results as at 7:00 AM

Do you think a referendum is needed to approve new art gallery and expanded museum for Greater Vernon?

Yes	92.0%
No	8.0%

Plan Sets Stage For Facility Discussion

Posted on 3/10/2016 by Pete McIntyre 107.5 KISSFM
It took almost two years to complete, but Greater Vernon's cultural plan is now done, and just needing final political approval. That's expected March 23rd at the Regional District of North Okanagan board meeting. The document will guide culture, arts and heritage in the community for the next decade. 100-thousand dollars was budgeted to develop it back in 2014. Greater Vernon Advisory chair Juliette Cunningham one of the new elements will see an advisory committee formed to look at gaps in facilities. "Then it would be up to that committee to bring recommendations forward. They could recommend we should look at an art gallery or museum, or whatever," Cunningham tells Kiss FM. Cunningham says the advisory panel will be made up from members of the cultural community. "In the past, they have always felt, when there's talk of art galleries or museums, that they have no opportunity to be a part of that, so that's a pretty important difference," says Cunningham. GVAC put plans for a referendum for a new art gallery and expanded museum on hold in 2013 after cost estimates doubled to 35 million dollars. The plans were again put on hold in 2014, to allow for the cultural plan to be completed. GVAC Area C director Mike Macnabb says big ticket projects like that, need strong community support before they can be put to votes. "That's why it's so important to get the public feedback (from the advisory panel) on this stuff. You can't have one group that might be very vocal demanding this or that and then find out that, really, there isn't that much community support, so that's the test that we want to measure this," says Macnabb.

Cultural process debated

by Jennifer Smith - Vernon Morning Star posted Jan 17, 2016 at 1:00 AM
Cultural plans are generating concerns in Coldstream. The district had community development co-ordinator Tannis Nelson, with the Regional District of North Okanagan, share details with council Monday. “It’s an extensive undertaking that the Greater Vernon Advisory Committee has been working our way through,” said Nelson. Currently, publicly funded facilities include the Performing Arts Centre, Greater Vernon Museum and Archives, Vernon Public Art Gallery and Vernon Arts Centre. But the plan is to move away from programming and focus on the buildings. “We are more interested in providing facilities,” said Nelson. Five-year agreements are being looked at with an envelope of funds set aside each year for the various organizations to apply for. “So the arts centre, if you need a new boiler, you can apply for it and that will be weighed against new tile in the bathroom at the museum,” said Nelson as an example. It is a slightly different approach that moves RDNO away from being responsible for everything. Currently, in the case of the art gallery, RDNO leases the space for the purposes of an art gallery but Vernon owns the space. Therefore recent leaks are the responsibility of Vernon. “As the landlord, they step in and take care of it,” said Coldstream Mayor Jim Garlick. But it is the addition of facilities and/or organizations that has some concerned. And the process more than anything. Coun. Doug Dirk has been around long enough to recall the problems that would arise during the old model. Which is why he maintains the importance of the current process where unanimous consent is gained from all members. That includes the possible addition of the Okanagan Science Centre and the building under the cultural plan. “There needs to be a decision made about who is in and who is out,” said Dirk. “What happens now if the gymnastics club or any other club comes along?” Dirk says he doesn’t have a problem with adding anything, as long as it goes through the proper process. He also points out that some of the services currently looked after by RDNO are under-funded. Coldstream agreed to support maintaining the service levels as they currently sit, without any additions for now. “The idea is that moving forward we may not be adding organizations at all but rather buildings,” said Nelson.