Fundraising efforts to roll out for Cultural Centre amidst some ongoing public concerns

“We’ve been meeting every couple of weeks, and we’re gearing up for, a bit later in the spring, an official kickoff to our fundraising campaign. We’ve already set up presentations for Rotary, we’re meeting with the [Downtown Vernon Association], [Greater Vernon] Chamber of Commerce, and we’re expecting to be present at farmers’ markets and in downtown Vernon in the spring and into June.

“So there’s going to be a lot happening over a very short period of time.”

With that work slated to start in the coming months, Cochrane asked that GVAC ensure RDNO staff working with the fundraising task force be given the time and resources to assist with the campaign; and that the elected officials support the project when engaging with members of the public; and that the Cultural Centre be included as a line item at every GVAC meeting moving forward so timely updates could be provided.

Cochrane noted a Cultural Centre fundraising event was planned for the Elks Hall in late May, though the campaign should be launched well ahead of that event.

The Coldstream Councillor also indicated that there were public concerns about the Cultural Centre, and asked for increased support from other elected officials.

“We’ve run into a lot of people in those early days that are surprised the project is going ahead, that makes fundraising a huge challenge,” Cochrane said.

“I would hope there is no politician in Greater Vernon that would be actively suggesting that this project not go ahead at this stage.

“It was approved by the public in 2018, using the Alternate Approval process, and the fact that we’re six and a half years into this project, it’s no wonder the public has no clue as to what’s happening. Quite frankly, that falls on all of us. I’ve sat at this table and I’m as guilty as all the rest of you for not making sure that this project is moving forward in a timely manner.”

Ruth Hoyte, Mayor of Coldstream, stated she had heard from people on both side, noting those arguing against the project were concerned mainly about the costs.

To address the concerns, Bob Fleming, Director for Electoral Area B, suggested the RDNO website be updated with new tab linking to information about the Cultural Centre so the public could stay up to date on the project, though no official motion was presented at Wednesday’s meeting.

Victor Cumming, Mayor of Vernon, asked that details about the project, such as final design drawings, expected costs and revenue sources, be made available so he could share with Vernon City Council and get them to also support the project when speaking with the public.

Jim Garlick, Coldstream Councillor and Alternate Director of GVAC, added people should also educate themselves about the project and try to be involved through the entire decision making process rather than voicing opposition without knowledge of the project.

GVAC agreed that updates on the Cultural Centre should be provided more frequently, and voted unanimously in favour of including it as a line item for both the GVAC and RDNO Board of Director meeting agendas.

GVAC members agreed to voice their support for the project, though no official motion to that effect was voted on.

by Liam Verster

Fundraising efforts to roll out for Cultural Centre amidst some ongoing public concerns

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