Construction of the Greater Vernon Cultural Centre (GVCC) officially began August 26,2026, marked by a vibrant, community-led celebration that brought together cultural groups, dignitaries, and residents in a show of support and excitement.
The festivities kicked off with a spirited march from the Greater Vernon Museum and Archives to the GVCC site, led by the Kalamalka Highlanders Pipe band along with local cultural and artistic organizations.
Upon arrival, the crowd gathered to witness the ceremonial launch of the 31,000-square-foot facility.
Emcee Brian Martin of Beach Radio opened the event with a land acknowledgement, recognizing the site as part of the traditional territory of the Syilx Okanagan people. Syilx Elder Virginia Gregoire offered a heartfelt welcome and blessing, accompanied by nation member Amber Cardenas, who performed a traditional drum and song.
Attendees included representatives from the Greater Vernon Museum and Archives, Vernon Public Art Gallery, the Regional District of North Okanagan, donors, fundraising volunteers, community members, and project partners.
A highlight of the celebration was a $50,000 donation presented to the Community Foundation of the North Okanagan by aj Jaeger on behalf of the Jaeger Family Fund. Jaeger shared that she had been eagerly awaiting the groundbreaking to make her contribution. With this generous gift, the Together4Culture fundraising team announced that community donations have reached an impressive total of $1,724,210.
After remarks from the dignitaries including representatives from the City of Vernon, Regional District of the North Okanagan, Okanagan Indian Bank, MLA’s office, and the museum and art gallery, the public was invited to participate in the official ground-breaking ceremony. With their own shovels in hand, many of which had been decorated for the occasion, everyone gathered with the elected officials and Sawchuk Developments Ltd. and design firm Revery Architecture, to ceremoniously begin construction on the site.
The GVCC will be owned by the Regional District of North Okanagan (RDNO) through its Greater Vernon Culture service—a partnership between the City of Vernon, the District of Coldstream, and RDNO Electoral Areas B and C.
The facility will house the Vernon Public Art Gallery, the Greater Vernon Museum, and a versatile live presentation and event space. Additional features include indoor gathering areas, an outdoor plaza, a gift shop, and a social forum designed for pre- and post-event engagement. The Centre’s flexible, tiered, and retractable seating sets it apart from other venues in the region, making it ideal for cultural performances, music and dance recitals, rehearsals, guest speakers, and private events.
Donations supporting the GVCC’s construction are eligible for charitable receipts through the Community Foundation of the North Okanagan. Larger contributions may also be made through RDNO, the Vernon Public Art Gallery, or the Greater Vernon Museum and Archives.
Photos © courtesy of Mary Grey, unless otherwise noted by a *
