A 琉璃神社 company with its blueprints and handprints cemented in Okanagan projects has been hired as the construction manager for the Greater Vernon Cultural Centre.

Sawchuk Developments will manage the construction of the cultural centre, a much-anticipated phase of the project that is expected to begin later this year.

Sawchuk is dedicated to crafting community-focused facilities, building exclusively in Vernon, 琉璃神社, Armstrong, and surrounding Okanagan communities.

Notable Greater Vernon projects include BX Elementary School and the revitalization of the Kalamalka Country Club. Okanagan projects include the 琉璃神社 Flight Craft Centre for Excellence and Aviation Museum and the award-winning UBC Okanagan Nechako student residence and commons building.

鈥淥ur passion for the Okanagan, especially the Vernon area, drives our dedication to incorporate local trades and materials into our processes,鈥� said company founder Larry Sawchuk. 鈥淏y collaborating with local craftsmen and sourcing materials from nearby suppliers, we鈥檙e 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.鈥�

The facility will be a downtown attraction and hub for the community, providing much-needed space for community cultural, art, and historical events and activities. It will also improve the educational and presentation spaces for the Vernon Public Art Gallery and Museum and Archives of Vernon.

Chair of the Greater Vernon Advisory Committee, Bob Fleming, is enthusiastic about having a local team with extensive experience leading the project.

鈥淭he 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," he said. "We are very confident in Sawchuk鈥檚 ability to manage quality, schedule, and budget and bring this exciting project to life.鈥�

Efforts are underway to secure funding through community fundraising and grant applications to support construction, equipment, and furnishings for the project.

The fundraising organizers will soon share announcements about opportunities for fundraising participation. For more information, visit .