The discussion regarding a performing arts centre in Quesnel has ratcheted up again with funding for an updated feasibility study. The financing of the updated study is coming from the Cariboo Regional District’s Sub-regional Recreation budget.
Richard Schick with Schick Shiner and Associates along with Oksana Dexter, the author of the first feasibility study from December 2005, will also complete the second updated feasibility study. The first study was prepared for the then Quesnel Community and Economic Development Corporation and determined there was a need for a stand alone community theatre in the Quesnel area.
With the passing of 13 years, costs, availability of locations and facilities, and the community economics have changed; however, the need still exists for a performing arts centre. Schick and Dexter were in town recently to meet with interested groups and were pleased to see upwards of 80 people attend over two meetings.
“There appears to be a current need for a performing arts centre in Quesnel,” Schick said.
“Our job now is to look at the old study; if its not applicable, how do we change it to reflect today’s needs?”
In the development of the updated study, Schick’s expertise is in the hard building elements and working with the architect once the project is approved, while Dexter’s expertise is the governance and developing the governmental relationships together for the project.
Schick Shiner and Associates has extensive experience in development and completion of purpose built performance arts facilities clear across Canada.
“In the end, it will take everyone pulling together and a strong political will,” he said.
Schick said he expects to deliver the revised, updated feasibility study to the North Cariboo Joint Committee sometime in June of this year.