Art Gallery & Museum Votes Put Off, Sports Complex Pared Down

Written by Peter McIntyre 107.5 KISSFM  Wednesday, 28 November 2012 10:10
The Vernon Public Art Gallery and Greater Vernon Museum will have to wait a while longer before their projects get put to the public. The Greater Vernon Advisory Committee used a special meeting to pass a motion that next April's referendum only include the borrowing question for the community sports facility. The motion got unanimous support. The committee says the next step to address the art gallery and museum will be for the city of Vernon to determine suitable locations. Some council members favour the former flower shop site for the gallery, while others would like a combined facility on the Coldstream Hotel site.  The art gallery was hoping to go to referendum in April for a new 7 million dollar venue, while the museum also asked to be on the ticket for a building costing up to ten million. Meantime, the committee has also decided to have RDNO staff look at lowering the costs of the proposed Okanagan College sports complex before it goes to a vote. Options to remove items, scale back others, and phase in features will be explored to cut back on the proposed 8.5 million dollar cost. Coldstream director Jim Garlick says at the current price tag, the majority of residents won't support it. GVAC chair Mike Macnabb says a facility providing just a track and field, and a washroom, may cost around half the price, and more items could be added in the future. The borrowing bylaw has to be submitted to the provincial government by January 16 in order to be apporved in time for an April 6, 2013 referendum.
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By Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Updated: November 28, 2012 10:07 AM

Greater Vernon residents won't be voting on cultural facilities.  The Greater Vernon Advisory Committee decided Wednesday that an April 6 ballot will only include a sports complex and not a new museum or art gallery. "I am not at a comfort level to go ahead," said director Jim Garlick. "There has to be a process and a plan in place." There has been some concern about the potential price tag of $17.5 million for both a museum and gallery. GVAC has asked the City of Vernon to determine suitable locations for cultural facilities, and once that is done, they will be considered by GVAC after the signing of a memorandum of understanding for a new arts, cultural and youth function. A plan would then be developed by GVAC towards addressing the future of the art gallery and museum. Look for more in Friday's Morning Star.