It was a packed house at Kelowna City Hall on Monday (Dec. 9) as the public came to hear the Community Task Force on the Performing Arts present its recommendations to council.
Task Force member Nikki Csek told council that at first, the committee believed it would recommend tearing down the Kelowna Community Theatre (KCT) to make way for a new performing arts centre.
91裸聊视频淗owever, as we delved deeper and gained insight from each presentation, our understanding evolved,91裸聊视频� Csek said. 91裸聊视频淭his guided us toward a more informed and thoughtful recommendation.91裸聊视频�
She added that it became clear the KCT was already meeting the needs of the community.
91裸聊视频淎ny disruption to its operation will have significant impact and far-reaching consequences for these organizations, the performers, and the community members who cherish these cultural experiences,91裸聊视频� Csek said.
The Task Force91裸聊视频檚 report highlights the challenges the arts community faces without more performance spaces, noting that growth would be limited. Adding more venues would create significant economic, cultural, and social benefits for the city.
One of the main recommendations was to keep and renovate the KCT while building a new performing arts centre. Staff told council that the KCT only has 1.5 91裸聊视频渄ark days91裸聊视频� (days when it's not in use) each week. Renovations would be scheduled during times that minimize disruptions.
Mayor Tom Dyas called it 91裸聊视频渁 journey of discovery.91裸聊视频�
91裸聊视频淒espite setting out with clear objectives, the Task Force uncovered a different path, revealing complexities and considerations it hadn91裸聊视频檛 fully anticipated,91裸聊视频� he said.
The Task Force also recommended staying in place as an advisory body until at least December 2025. Council voted unanimously to accept the recommendations.
A statement from Citizens for a New Performing Arts Centre (CN-PAC) says it is encouraged by the recommendation that council pursue the creation of a new performing arts venue, and that it must be located in the heart of Kelowna91裸聊视频檚 cultural district.
91裸聊视频淲e applaud the task force for recognizing the economic and social benefits that an iconic new performing arts space would bring to our community,91裸聊视频� said CN-PAC President Myles Bruckal. 91裸聊视频淎 new centre must be exceptional and it must be situated in a central location that truly does it justice.91裸聊视频�
City staff will now begin developing an implementation plan. This will include working with stakeholders, finding a location, analyzing space needs, and planning and design work. Staff will provide updates to council as the project progresses
