Concept image of the Greater Vernon Cultural Centre courtesy of the RDNO

By Liam Verster

Cultural Centre Update

Okanagan-based company hired to manage Cultural Centre construction

Apr 15, 2025 | 4:40 PM

The new Greater Vernon Cultural Centre will be built by a local company.

The Regional District of North Okanagan said it has hired the Okanagan-based Sawchuck Development Ltd. as the construction manager for the new community art, culture and history hub in downtown Vernon.

“Our passion for the Okanagan, especially the Vernon area, drives our dedication to incorporate local trades and materials into our processes,” founder Larry Sawchuk, said.

“By collaborating with local craftsmen and sourcing materials from nearby suppliers, we’re choosing to invest in the growth and vitality of the Vernon community. We are honoured to have been entrusted with building the Greater Vernon Cultural Centre.”

This won’t be the first time the company has worked with the Regional District on a major project.

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“The RDNO has worked with Sawchuk on several other projects in the past, including the new Vernon Search and Rescue building and the Greater Vernon Athletics Park building,” Bob Fleming, Chair of the Greater Vernon Advisory Committee, said.

“We are very confident in Sawchuk’s ability to manage quality, schedule, and budget and bring this exciting project to life.”

The RDNO said the new building will be an attraction in downtown Vernon, and will also provide more educational and presentation spaces for the Vernon Public Art Gallery and Greater Vernon Museum.

Efforts were ongoing to secure funding for the project through community fundraising and applying for grants. The RDNO said further details about the fundraising work and opportunities would be announced at a later date.

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