Council mulls options for future of art gallery

The fate of the Vancouver Art Gallery remains in limbo as the city continues to examine — behind the scenes — the potential options for its future.

Vision councillors remained tightlipped Tuesday about how soon the public can expect to get its first look at a staff report outlining recommendations for a possible gallery expansion or move.

The report was widely rumoured to be added to the council agenda by mid- March. It is expected to settle the much- debated question of whether the city should give the VAG title to a portion of Larwill Park, a city- owned block bordered by Cambie, Dunsmuir, Beatty and Georgia streets. The threeacre parcel, of which the VAG is proposing to take two acres, is used now as a parking lot and is the last undeveloped downtown block of city land.

Coun. Heather Deal said she supports the gallery expansion, but wants more information before determining what that might look like.

Coun. Kerry Jang said council gave itself a deadline of the end of February to start considering options.

With staff recommendations pending, he and some of his Vision councillors have been doing their own legwork, including speaking directly with VAG leaders, to help them decide what the best option might be.

Jang said he understands an art gallery “is a big part of the city,” but has yet to work out some of the details around the business and governance model proposed under the VAG’s plan.

Coun. Raymond Louie said he supports a plan where city finances are “appropriately applied,” and one that won’t cost taxpayers money farther down the road should the gallery not be able to fully support its operations.

The Non- Partisan Association has already made public its support for an expanded, purpose- built facility where, said Coun. Elizabeth Ball, “we can actually exhibit the two- thirds ( of art work in storage) we don’t see.”

Coun. George Affleck said he is curious to see the written report on the issue, noting that despite his party’s stated position, he may yet change his mind depending on its content.

Vision Coun. Geoff Meggs said he believes a case for the gallery’s expansion can be successfully made. However, without the report, “no one can make up their mind.”

In 2011, the city agreed to give VAG two years to meet a number of conditions before it would make a decision on the site — it was told to develop a solid business plan, prove that it can raise the required capital and operating costs, examine other locations, and demonstrate broad public support.

Earlier this year, a confidential business plan for the project found that the proposed new gallery would be viable, and could financially support itself on its current funding model.

The business plan, prepared by Lord Cultural Resources, did not deal with how VAG would raise the $ 300 million needed to build its new home, but instead looks at post- construction operations.