More planning and fundraising for cultural centre

May 27, 2019 | 9:12 AM

More planning is in store before work starts on a new cultural centre for Greater Vernon.

The Regional District of North Okanagan board has approved developing a final business plan for the proposed 40 million dollar centre to be located on the former Coldstream Hotel site in downtown Vernon.

“The first step in the business planning process will be completing a more detailed market assessment and analysis,” says a news release from Ashley Gregerson, RDNO Communications Officer.

“This work will help identify new revenue opportunities and trends in operations of similar cultural facilities to ensure that the new Centre is designed and constructed with longevity, functionality, and efficiency at the forefront.”

The research will also help confirm visitor estimates.

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“There is a lot of planning work that has to be done before shovels can hit the ground to make sure we create the best facility possible for our community,” says Akbal Mund, Chair of the Greater Vernon Advisory Committee. “The Board’s direction really demonstrates the RDNO’s commitment to moving this project forward quickly, and with thought and planning.”

RDNO directors have also green lighted the creation of a coordinated fundraising strategy.

Gregerson says a fundraising strategy to raise the targeted $4 million in capital and adequate endowment funds will be put together to identify a coordinated approach to fundraising that respects and complements existing fundraisers.

“A collaborative approach to fundraising will be key to the success of meeting the multiple funding objectives of the project,” says Tannis Nelson, Community Services Manager. “It will also help to ensure that the fundraising efforts of this project will take into consideration and be sensitive to the other ongoing fundraising needs of the community’s non-profit organizations.”

A referendum last fall approved borrowing up to 25 million dollars for the facility, and RDNO is still waiting for work on an application for 23.5 million dollars from the Investing in Canada Fund.

Steps are underway to establish a fund to manage and collect donations for the project.

“Incredibly, multiple instances of grassroots fundraising for the Centre have already started,” says Gregerson.

“If people wish to donate before this fund is established, the Greater Vernon Museum and Archives, the RDNO Main Office, and the Vernon Public Art Gallery are all prepared to take donations for the project and issue tax receipts.”

by Corey Fischer