Theatre complex proposal gets not from Council

Merritt could have a performing arts theatre built onto the Civic Centre, according to a local group looking into the feasibility of the idea.

The Theatre Building Steering Committee, formed through the Nicola Valley Arts Council, is looking at the practicality of creating an addition to the Civic Centre.

On Tuesday night, city council passed a motion to support the concept in principle and will now await the results of a study before further consideration is given.

The idea is to create a five hundred-seat-plus state of the art performance hall that could accommodate the needs of the Film Society, dance troupes, NVIT, and any other local group that could benefit from such a venue.

Councillor Harry Kroeker is acting as a liaison between council and the committee.

Kroeker, former Mayor of Merritt, was a strong proponent of the construction of the Civic Centre in the 80s, and says the construction was part of the Expo ‘86 legacy and was undertaken with provincial funding at the time.

“The Centre was created with the possibility of future additions built into the original plan and has proven itself a valuable asset for the city,” says Kroeker.

The committee has also been asked to look into other locations that may be suitable for the building, as well as forming a list of potential user groups that could benefit and utilize such a facility.

“Now the real work begins,” says Committee spokesperson Kurt Christopherson.

“We are really excited by the possibilities of this project and feel it would greatly benefit the arts and conference ability
of Merritt.”

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