Garlick Pushes For More Federal Cash

By Kate Bouey

Nov 8, 2018 | 9:54 AM

It appears more federal grant money will be sought to build a $40-million cultural centre in the downtown.

During a meeting of the Greater Vernon Advisory Committee Thursday, Coldstream director Jim Garlick said it was no time to play it safe.

“We’ve always been too willing to pay for everything,” Garlick told directors. “We’ve been underserved by grants.”

“I’m not of the mind of playing safe. We should be asking for more and arguing the point this area has not received those major grants.”

A referendum to borrow up to $25-million was approved by voters during the Oct. 20th municipal election.

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At the time, North Okanagan Regional District staff said they would seek federal funding of $12.83-million.

However, Garlick believes more should be sought.

“I think we should look at other communities and see what has been presented to other communities in our area and around the province and use that as an argument for increasing the amount of money we ask for. If we don’t, I don’t think we’re serving the community very well.”

A special meeting will be held to discuss how much addition money should be sought and, in the meantime, staff will begin the application process.

No date for that meeting has been set.

by Kate Bouey