— Town wants results of facilities review before deciding —
(OSOYOOS TIMES — Nov. 15, 2006) —
By Julie TurnerrnOsoyoos Times
The Osoyoos & District Arts Council has asked the Town to designate the Art Gallery a heritage building, but Town Council said it wants to see the results of a Town facility needs assessment before considering the request.
At its November 6 meeting, Council received two letters, from Osoyoos Arts Council Treasurer Tony Brummet and Osoyoos Painters and Potters President Sharon Leonard, detailing the building's history, which dates back to 1951. It has housed the Art Gallery and the Painters and Potters Club since 1990.
It was built as a headquarters for the police of the day, with living quarters upstairs, offices and a garage on the ground floor, and jail cells in the basement. The basic construction is sound, and with minor modifications could retain its original structure, Brummet explains.
At the rate of construction in our town, we fear we will be left with no reminders of our heritage, notes Leonard. The Arts are an important part of our town's heritage and the Gallery/Studio Building is a vital part of this legacy. What better way to attract tourists and others to the Gallery while informing them of our history?rnBoth believe that the jail cells could be restored and could become part of a historical tour in conjunction with the Osoyoos Museum.
Brummet feels there would be wide public support for the initiative and adds, There are provincial and federal programs to assist with heritage designation “ these are now being explored.rnHe adds he's looking into forming a heritage committee and invites anyone interested to contact him at the Arts Council. It's important to preserve our heritage for the future.rnCouncil voted to receive the letters for information and consider the request once the Town has completed its facility needs assessment now underway. The assessment should be completed sometime this fall to coincide with Council's Planning and Priorities meetings, which determine the budget for 2007.
