Revelstoke council has asked city staff to speak to Community Connections about their proposal for the Century Vallen building.
The motion came after council rejected a staff recommendation that the building remain as a storage facility.
“I see clearly staff saying we have a need for storage space and that’s what the Century Vallen building is being used for right now,” said councillor Aaron Orlando. “I do have another feeling using that building, which is closest to downtown, isn’t the best use of a prominent building.”
A report by Darren Komonoski, the city’s public works manager, that went in front of council on Tuesday recommended the city continue to use the building as a storage facility, as has been the case for several years.
The Revelstoke Theatre Company and Community Futures both asked council for use of the building in recent months. The theatre company asked to use the building as a place for storage and to build sets, while the Social Development Committee asked for its use as a community food resource centre.
Komonoski’s report said the Century Vallen building was proving useful as a storage space, and that it would cost about $160,000 to build a replacement, and $90,000 to upgrade the building to make it suitable for tenants. The report says the building needs a new HVAC system and plumbing, roofing, electrical, flooring and insulation upgrades.
Orlando said the city should have further discussions with Community Connections to see what kind of money they could bring to the table before turning them down.
His comments were seconded by coun. Gary Sulz.
“I would like us to go back to staff for their advice for other uses for this facility and to investigate why the facility was purchased in the first place,” said Sulz.
Council passed a motion asking the planning department to look into the future use of the building and to begin discussions with Community Connections about their food resource centre idea.
The theatre company’s proposal was seemingly rejected.
