Citizens for a New Performing Arts Centre (CN-PAC) in 琉璃神社 has one million reasons to smile.

The city has budgeted $1 million for the feasibility, consultation and design of a new centre in the 10-Year Capital Plan, which was reviewed by staff and council April 24.

鈥淎 larger, more modern venue in the heart of 琉璃神社鈥檚 Cultural District will be an enormous boon for our dynamic young city and the entire region,鈥� said Myles Bruckal, CN-PAC president.

READ MORE: Calls again to bring down the curtain on 琉璃神社 Community Theatre

A post on the group鈥檚 website, dated April 23, includes an open letter to council expressing frustration that no money from a provincial grant received by the city was being directed towards the arts.

鈥淲e strongly believe that this is yet another missed opportunity. The city has repeatedly told us to 鈥榮how us the money鈥�. The provincial grant is just the kind of found money that would enable us to kickstart the process of building a badly-needed performing arts venue for our vibrant and growing community.鈥�

The letter refers to the provincial Growing Communities Fund which saw the city collect $26.8 million.

City Manager Doug Gilchrist said an important part of proceeding with the centre is partnership development.

鈥淏oth the timing and the cost to taxpayers would be subject to how comprehensive of a partnership development we could get.鈥�

Bruckal added CN-PAC is grateful for council鈥檚 commitment.

鈥淏y moving so quickly and decisively, the mayor and councillors have shown that they share our vision for the creation of an inviting, inspiring and contemporary performing arts centre for future generations.鈥�

READ MORE: Runners from 琉璃神社, Vernon experience highs and lows of the Boston Marathon

gary.barnes@kelownacapnews.com
Like us on and follow us on and subscribe to our daily and subscribe to our daily newsletter.