An open house in Sechelt on Feb. 2 drew about 50 people to review a 78-page report by the Mayor's Task Force that proposes a multi-million-dollar cultural complex for Sechelt.
"It's always been my dream," said Sechelt councillor Ann Kershaw, who was at the open house to answer questions, along with architect and cultural complex task force member Graham Argyle.
The proposal is four-pronged, calling for a performance centre, a new and bigger home for the Sechelt public library, a museum/archives and an art gallery - encompassed in one complex. The preferred site is where Sechelt Elementary School currently sits because of its visibility and proximity to the centre of town, Rockwood, shopping and transit.
Argyle, who had been developing a performance centre proposal along with Karen Buckley prior to both of them becoming members of the task force, gave the presentation.
"We're not asking the taxpayers to fork out," he said at the beginning, adding later that the financing for such a complex would likely be both public and private. The entire package could cost as much as $51.5 million to build and would be a 30-year project.
The performance centre would include a 450-seat theatre, rehearsal space, loading dock, parking and storage space. It would be built in response to a need, Argyle said, for larger venues to accommodate such groups as the Coast Recital Society that has had a waiting list for its classical music concerts.
Argyle pointed to examples of successful centres such as a similar model in Parry Sound, Ont., an area of comparable population. Estimated price tag for such a theatre could be anywhere from $2.5 to $26 million depending on which of several options is chosen.
The current Sechelt library is outgrowing its space, Kershaw said. Librarian Helen Prosser, also on the task force, confirmed the need. There has not been any decline in library use in various communities because of technological change, reported Argyle. In fact, the reverse -the use of public libraries is growing.
A Sechelt museum and archives fits with the Sunshine Coast Museum's mission of preserving the Coast's history -not at one central location, but within various Coast communities.
The Sechelt Contemporary Art Society, a group that seeks to develop and make known the work of the Coast's many artists, is championing a proposal for an art gallery within the complex. It would also deliver arts education programming and put on performances and exhibitions.
"My vision is to encounter all the arts in one place," said task force member Jane Ford.
She noted that she does not consider the current arts centre run by the SC Arts Council to be the type of gallery she envisions.
Talk of better rehearsal space resonated with many in the audience. Choral director Joy McLeod spoke of the need for choir rehearsal space with better lighting. Acting instructor Sally Williams pointed out the need for rehearsal studios with acoustic properties, and dancers who require suitable floors in their practice space echoed this sentiment.
Some had concerns about operating expenses once such a building was open. Deb Proby, manager of the Raven's Cry Theatre, questioned the need for a larger performance space, saying that not all shows generate audiences or make a profit for their producers.
The Arts Council's Linda Williams made a plea for support of the existing facilities.
"The Arts Centre is a fabulous facility," Williams said. "Let's show that we can fill it up now."
William Baker, a professional artist, spoke of using facilities already in existence and converting them to current needs.
Kershaw said the task force will submit a final report to council and will request to be included in the 2011 budget so as to pursue a fundraising feasibility study that would identify all funding sources.
