This is part two of a series exploring a Civic Core Plan created by a group of concerned citizens of Prince George who understand the importance of incorporating the vision of user groups to create a multi-use facility in the heart of the city that will not only improve quality of life but also establish a strong path to economic growth.
Prince George is not alone in looking to revitalize its civic core to expand economic development and improve quality of life while creating a vibrant downtown.
The City of Vernon has approved the creation of the Active Living Centre worth a maximum of $135 million with construction to be completed in fall of 2026.
The Active Living Centre (ALC) will embrace the Vernon’s vision to deliver a facility that not only meets the needs of a growing community, but also strives to attract new residents and visitors to the area. The new facility will be accessible, inclusive, fun, family-friendly and orientated towards participants of all ages and abilities.
The multi-purpose facility includes an aquatic centre with an eight lane 50-metere pool with a moveable bulkhead, two diving boards and a NinjaCross course, a leisure pool with zero-depth beach entry, a tot slide, interactive spray features, a lazy river, a WOW WaveBall, a major waterslide and a family hot tub
Also featured will be a warm-water 25-metre three-lane teaching pool, sauna, steam room, cold plunge pool and adults-only hot tub. The facility will also have a fitness centre, a double gymnasium with multiple sports courts, a four-lane 185-metre synthetic walking/running track and eight dedicated multipurpose activity and program rooms.
For more information visit www.vernon.ca/parks-recreation/active-living-centre
In Kamloops, a new Centre for the Arts with a price tag of $275 million is in the concept stage.
The new facility’s indicative design is more than 120,000 square feet and includes two theatres and a studio space that will serve a variety of arts and community events.
Located in downtown Kamloops at Fourth Avenue and Seymour, the centre will contribute to downtown revitalization by promoting economic and population growth and contributing to a vibrant arts and cultural community, its website states.
Strong potential demand for events and activities exist that will support Kamloops residents and attract visitors through a focus and investment in culture, arts, sports, and events which all contribute to a healthy community.
The facility is looking to include a main stage theatre with 1,200 seats, small theatre with 450 seats, studio flexible space, rehearsal, production and education spaces, administrative spaces, resident tenant spaces, underground parking, meeting rooms, commercial space, support and storage areas, including consideration for climate-controlled storage areas and building systems.
For more information about the project see kamloopscentreforthearts.ca.
In Kelowna, council endorsed the 2020-2025 Cultural Plan on Sept. 16, 2019. This plan sets priorities for the enhancement of cultural vitality and community spaces, and aligns with the goal of an engaging arts and culture scene.
Most importantly, this plan sets a course for the creative sector to provide accessible, diverse and inclusive experiences, use resources effectively, leverage opportunities, and be innovative and forward thinking. The plan also highlights the value of partnerships and cooperation.
In Kelowna there is also a long-range Civic Precinct Plan for future land use guiding the development of key sites in Kelowna’s Civic Precinct up to 2040.
The Civic Precinct area, also known more broadly as Kelowna’s Cultural District, sees future plans that include mixed-use development to support downtown living while preserving sites like the Kelowna Community Theatre, City Hall parking lot and Memorial Arena for future civic uses to support a dynamic Cultural District.
For more information visit www.kelowna.ca/sites/files/1/docs/community/civic_precinct_land_use_plan.pdf
Eli Klasner, executive director of the Community Arts Council of Prince George & District, is one of six members of a citizens group that took a grassroots approach to engaging key community groups in an effort to create a Civic Core Plan that best suits Prince George’s diverse needs.
Several communities have seen people moving from the Lower Mainland into their communities, Klasner said.
“How do we get Prince George on that list?” Klasner questioned. “How do we show professional people who are willing to move away from big city centres that Prince George is an amazing community? Look at all these amenities we have. Look at the university, look at all the summer and wintertime outdoor recreation we have, so this kind of an entertainment complex would be a huge piece of the conversation to make Prince George an attractive place to move to and a visiting destination.
Action is needed right now, he said.
“Here is a prime piece of real estate that is owned by the city, owned by the taxpayers – let’s get building on it before the idea that this is a ghost town, a waste land, becomes entrenched in how we see our downtown.”
