Krystin Kempton
VERNON – The Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce welcomes the cooperative action being taken towards a cultural centre.
On Aug. 12, members of the Greater Vernon Advisory Committee unanimously recommended that the Regional District of North Okanagan board work with the City of Vernon to finalize a sale/purchase agreement for half of the parking lot at 2910 32nd Avenue for a cultural centre.
“It’s great to see forward movement on this important matter and we thank the elected officials and staff from RDNO, City of Vernon and District of Coldstream for their participation in the process,” said Krystin Kempton, Greater Vernon Chamber president.
“By approving borrowing of up to $25 million, Greater Vernon residents made it clear that they support a cultural centre that celebrates the arts and our history, provides much-needed community space and bolsters the economy through revitalization of downtown Vernon. The 32nd Avenue site makes all of these aspirations possible.”
The Chamber also endorses GVAC’s recommendation for a federal/provincial grant application and recently provided RDNO with a letter of support that can be included in the application package.
“There is a tight timeline before the grant deadline Oct. 1, but we are hopeful that everyone involved – RDNO, the City of Vernon, District of Coldstream and cultural organizations – will remain focused and cooperative and ensure that this priority project is embraced by senior government,” said Kempton.
“The Chamber is ready to assist in any way to make the vision of a cultural centre a reality for the Greater Vernon community.”