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.”