Plans for cultural centre moving ahead

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All recommendations were carried unanimously, with few requiring much discussion.

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A majority of the hour and a half long meeting was focused on the potential development models, with five being presented to GVAC: Design – Bid – Build, Construction Management, Design – Build, Progressive Design – Build, and Integrated Project Delivery.

The 15 minute presentation on project delivery models and subsequent 25 minute discussion on the models at the meeting seemed to favour the Integrated Project Delivery model, which was described as a more collaborative model that would allow members of the Greater Vernon Cultural Centre Working Steering Group to bring stakeholders, experts and professionals to the table to work together in putting together the project’s plans.

Though there was a lot of discussion on the matter, there was no formal decisions made surrounding the delivery models, as it is set to be the topic of another future special meeting.

Another portion of the meeting was spent on a capital presentation, with GVAC hearing that they could consider at a future date having naming rights and sponsorships for the facility, on top of the grants they are applying for, to help cut down the costs before potentially going out to businesses and individuals for donations. It was noted that having the public chip in on projects such as these do build a sense of ownership and pride in residents.

Speaking with Vernon Matters after the meeting, GVAC Chair Akbal Mund said moving forward with the recommendations shows that progress is being made with the cultural centre plans.

“That means that, in the near future, we’re going to have an actual facility [in downtown Vernon] that we’re all going to be proud of,” said Mund.

Mund also confirmed that GVAC is leaning towards the Integrated Project Delivery Model as “it seems to work best for the construction phase of this,” though he did note that there will be further discussion at a special meeting that could be held within two week’s time.

Mund added that GVAC’s approval of seeking parties for the pre-design stage is critical, as once it’s established how long the design will take, then they will be able to put together a more detailed time table for constructing the cultural centre.

“Once we nail that down, I think you’ll see us moving fairly quickly,” said Mund, adding with a laugh, it is an important project to start as there is an election coming up in the fall.

The recommendations carried at the GVAC meeting will go before the RDNO for approval at a future date.