For Immediate Release
SMITHERS – The Town of Smithers, Smithers Public Library, and Smithers Art Gallery have worked together for many years defining a vision and plan to bring a new Library/Gallery building to our community. The Town of Smithers, on behalf of the project partners has brought two grant applications to senior levels of government for funding. Both applications have been declined.
With funding applications declined, the project partners have found creative alternatives to meet our community’s needs. The Smithers Art Gallery, in cooperation with the Town of Smithers, have met their space requirements after the Creation Station at 3866 Railway Avenue was made available and leased. The Smithers Art Gallery has determined their current and future needs have been met and they will no longer be participating in this project as a benefiting partner. With this change, an evaluation of the current project, partners, and intended goals and outcomes is necessary. The Smithers Public Library and the Town of Smithers intend to continue working towards a new library building to meet the current needs of our community, while exploring alternative models that will increase the likelihood of receiving the necessary financial support from senior levels of government.
The Fundraising Committee thanks all donors who have generously contributed to this project and will bring forward a new vision to serve our community. The donations received to date for this project continue to be held by the Town of Smithers. With the upcoming 2022 General Municipal Election around the corner, we look forward to sharing a project update in 2023 after strategic and financial planning activities have occurred.
For more information contact:
Nicole Chernish, Gallery: info@smithersart.org, 250 847-3898
Wally Bergen, Library: wwbergen@telus.net, 250 847 9660
Gladys Atrill, Town of Smithers mayor@smithers.ca 250 847 1600
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