Vernon officials admit there are capacity problems at the museum, but there’s no solution yet.
City council met behind closed doors with Greater Vernon Museum representatives Monday to discuss the inadequate facilities that currently house a growing collection of artifacts and archival material.
“Council is aware and sympathetic of the needs of the museum,” said Mayor Rob Sawatzky.
“They are part of the ongoing process (looking at space needs for public agencies).”
Sawatzky says all long-term options are being considered but he would not get into specifics because Monday’s meeting was in-camera.
“There is nothing imminent at this point and time.”
Ron Candy, museum curator, believes the meeting with council was positive.
“It was a presentation on our part to illustrate some of the possibilities for expansion,” he said.
“The ideal option is a purpose-built building.”
It’s been suggested in past that what is needed is a facility that is double the current 13,000-square-feet museum with climate and light controls to protect artifacts, sufficient storage and room for education programs and exhibits.
A new structure could either be done individually or in conjunction with an art gallery.
The other scenario involves possibly expanding the current museum.
“They all realize the importance of the museum in the community,” said Candy of council.
“One made the comment that the museum is the repository of the region’s history.”
However, Candy acknowledges that the city hasn’t promised that it will provide more space.
“No one made any commitment in any direction but there was a nod towards the importance of the museum. We will have to discuss what we can do,” he said.
Any move towards a larger museum will also have to involve the Greater Vernon Advisory Committee because the regional district is responsible for cultural matters.
“We’re here for the region’s history and that includes Coldstream and Areas B and C,” said Candy.
