B.C. considers another $50 million for VAG
Provincial government had already marked $50M for a new building in 2008
The provincial government is considering whether to contribute another $50 million toward the construction of a new building for the Vancouver Art Gallery.
The extra $50 million would be in addition to $50 million already contributed in 2008 to the $350-million project for a new home on the empty lot across from the Queen Elizabeth Theatre at West Georgia and Cambie.
Lisa Beare, minister of tourism, arts and culture, said in a statement that the VAG asked for the extra $50 million last year.
“I informed the art gallery board that the government would consider this additional funding based on progress made on raising private funds in support of the project,” Beare said.
“We remain in regular communication and continue to a strong partnership with the Vancouver Art Gallery. We know they are working to raise private contributions in order to advance the project.”
In addition to the extra money from Victoria, the VAG is awaiting word on whether it will receive $100 million from Ottawa for the new building.
Last year, the VAG submitted a pre-budget document to the House of Commons Standing Committee on Finance. It requested the money to help build a new gallery that would have 86,000 square feet of exhibition space, double the size available at the current gallery at 750 Hornby. The new gallery is designed by the Swiss architectural firm Herzog & de Meuron.
In April, Infrastructure Canada said that it was waiting “receipt of a project proposal” from the province.
Less than a month later, major changes took place in Victoria. Results of the provincial election led to the Liberals losing their majority and the NDP forming a minority government with the support of the Green party.
In response to a question about whether the province has sent a project proposal to Ottawa, the tourism ministry said the VAG project will be considered further “including being put forward for federal infrastructure funding — when it is substantially closer to its private fundraising target.”
The VAG has a goal of raising $100 million from the private sector, and associate director Ann Webb said the gallery had so far raised $43 million.
In a pre-budget document submitted to the federal government, the VAG estimated that building a new gallery would create 1,002 jobs, generate tax revenue of $21.5 million per year, and contribute $38 million to the country ’s annual gross domestic product.
The gallery is pleased with the “positive response” it has received from the provincial government, she said, and continues to work with all levels of government about making the new building a reality.
“We are grateful that the province recognizes the many benefits of building the new gallery,” Webb said in a statement.
“We have met with Minister Beare on several occasions as well as with her colleagues to discuss the economic and cultural value that a new gallery will bring to our community, province and country.
“We are also working diligently with the private sector to raise the required funds to realize this important project and we are very optimistic about the future.”
Bill Aujla, general manager of real estate and facilities management for the City of Vancouver, said the offer of a 99-year lease for land at 688 Cambie St. for the new VAG was dependent on the gallery raising another $150 million: $100 million from the federal government, and $50 million from the provincial government.
“At this time, the city does not intend to provide further financial support for the gallery expansion.”