Vernon council needs more information on cultural facilities

By Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: November 26, 2012 10:00 AM

Political support for expanding cultural facilities is on hold. Vernon council instructed staff Monday to develop a report on the community's cultural core, including possible sites for a new art gallery and museum. "We need a clear idea of what the potential is," said Coun. Catherine Lord, adding that the information will be passed on to the Greater Vernon Advisory Committee, which overs sees cultural matters. The Vernon Public Art Gallery wants to construct a new facility on the former Vernon Flower Shop property, which is owned by the city, but others have suggested the gallery and museum should go together on the city-owned Coldstream Hotel site. Both the VPAG and the Greater Vernon Museum have stated they want a referendum on new facilities held in conjunction with an April 6 vote on a sports complex next to the college. No decision on location was made Monday, but if the gallery proceeds on the flower shop site, council has agreed to sell the property to the Regional District of North Okanagan. That would align ownership with the agency responsible for culture.