Photo: Contributed

While the voters of Greater Vernon have said 'Yes' to the RDNO borrowing up to $25 million for its share of the cost of a new multi-purpose cultural facility, don't expect to see shovels in the ground just yet. 

"We still have quite a bit of work ahead of us, but this is a major step in the process," explains Ashley Gregerson communications officer with the RDNO.  

The next step is to secure the funding, which will come in the way of fundraising, donations, partnerships and contributions. 

"Now we are looking at federal and provincial funding," says Gregerson. There is money available for projects like this the through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program."

Within that program is the Community, Culture and Recreation Infrastructure stream. 

The program supports cost-sharing of infrastructure projects in communities across the province.

In September,  the Canadian and British Columbian governments committed up to $134 million towards an initial intake of the Community, Culture, and Recreation (CCR) Program.

Funding is available up to 73.33% of the eligible project costs (40% Government of Canada, 33.33% Province of British Columbia).

So, while the RDNO has been given permission to borrow up to $25 million, if it can secure money through options like the CCR program, it won't have to. 

"If we are able to raise over 15 million through the combination of fundraising, donations, grants and contributions then we wouldn't have to borrow $25 million."

As for a timeline for when shovels could hit the ground, It is too early to say.  

"Its hard to say, I believe the applications close in January, and then we are kind of in the hands of other governments as to when they actually announce who gets the funding."   

The building will be constructed in downtown Vernon on the undeveloped portion of the 2900 block between 31st Avenue and 32nd Avenue, however, the design of the building has not been finalized. 

"We will seek public input and consultation for the look and feel of the building before moving on to the detailed design phase of the project," explains Gregerson. 

On Oct. 20, voters in Coldstream, Vernon, and RDNO Electoral Areas 'B' and 'C' voted in favour of borrowing up to $25 million for the project. 

Yes 7,850 

No 5,357

The referendum determined that the community can move forward with grant applications and fundraising to generate the $15 million required to complete this $40 million dollar project.

The annual net increase on the average Greater Vernon household (assessed value of land & improvements of $433,000) to borrow $25 million over 20 years is $12 a year per household.

With the completion of existing debt associated with Kal Tire Place and the Performing Arts Centre, $36 will come off of the average annual household taxes at the same time as the proposed borrowing that will require an average household investment of $48.