Thursday, January 13, 2011

Moving Station House Gallery...

As I noted earlier today, Williams Lake City Councillor Tom Barr has some concerns about the City taking on a project to move Station House Gallery from the bottom of Oliver St & Mackenzie Ave to 4th Avenue & Borland St.  See here

I too share his concerns.  Those include:

* The City do not have secure access to the property (Note - the property is currently owned by Royal Bank and is undergoing negotiations between Royal Bank & the City)

* Project estimated at $500,000 but given the City's track record for keeping projects on budget - TDC, Fire Hall, Spirit Square.  Residents' should be rightfully skeptical of this claim

This project should be halted until firm figures are provided otherwise we are setting ourselves up for another Fire Hall budget disaster

SBF

1 comment:

Colette Amelia said...

I can't even believe this is being reviewed! The city should have more foresight than to even consider this. Where is the long range planning? This building is a building it will continue to be a heritage building whether the Art Gallery is leasing it or a Lawyer's office or a hair salon.

What I am hearing is the gallery and the Arts need a better location! there are all kinds of empty retail spaces available in the prime location without this tomfoolery.

Has anyone thought just what the plan is for Arts and Culture? The Theatre group could very well be without a venue if the school closes...hows about doing some planning that would encompass the needs in a proactive sensible way? Now I think Fort St. John is about the biggest hole in the province but what a facility they have put together...

Theatre, Art Gallery with space for lessons, gift shop, coffee shop, and library all attracting different people for different reasons but creating synergy that makes for a vibrant, profitable venue...not this rag tag attachment to a building that is aging and as the society says not profitable and too expensive to maintain!!!!

come up with a plan for a comprehensive building that will service a broader range of interests and needs and then go after the funding and do it right!