The curtain is finally rising on the Greater Vernon Cultural Centre (GVCC).
The public is invited to bring their shovels and dig in at the official groundbreaking event to celebrate the start of construction of the 31,000 square foot centre.
The event will be held Tuesday Aug. 26, at 11 a.m. on the construction site at 2917 31st Ave.
It will begin with a pipe band leading a procession of cultural and artistic groups from the Greater Vernon Museum to the construction site, where special guests and dignitaries will lead a program of announcements prior to the ground-breaking celebration.
"Everyone is invited to participate in the groundbreaking celebration by bringing a garden, sand or toy tool such as a shovel or hoe, to begin the site excavation," said the Regional District of North Okanagan (RDNO).
Everyone, including cultural and artistic groups that wish to join the procession, is asked to meet at Spirit Square, outside the Museum and Archives of Vernon at 10:30 a.m. The groups will march the two blocks to the construction site beginning at 10:50 a.m.
The Together 4 Culture fundraising campaign鈥檚 donated Art-i-Fact Information Booth will be moved off-site to its new location alongside Spirit Square. Later it will be made available as part of a fundraiser for the cultural centre.
With construction expected to be completed in 2028, the Greater Vernon Cultural Centre will be a cultural hub for the community. It will be the new home for the Vernon Public Art Gallery and Greater Vernon Museum, along with a gift shop, and flexible indoor and outdoor space for community presentations, receptions, recitals, and gatherings.
"It will attract visitors and new exhibits, engage and inspire residents of all ages, and be a place where people can enjoy, learn, participate and experience history, arts and culture," said the regional district.
Construction of the facility 鈥� approved by voters in a 2018 referendum 鈥� will begin Monday, Aug. 25.
"The centre will serve as a dynamic cultural hub that will celebrate arts, heritage, education, and community connection," the RDNO said.
To accommodate construction, the 31st Avenue parking lot will partially close, with a portion remaining open for hourly and daily parking.
Drivers are encouraged to explore nearby parking options by visiting .
For questions or concerns on the project, contact communityservices@rdno.ca and stay updated on the at .
For more about the Greater Vernon Cultural Centre and the community fundraising, go online to
