Keyano College Board of Governors pass a motion to cancel Arts Centre Project

Posted On Thursday October 08, 2020

 

 

Keyano College Board of Governors pass a motion to cancel Arts Centre Project

October 8, 2020

At a meeting on September 30, 2020, the Keyano College Board of Governors Board passed a motion to cancel the Arts Centre Project and release the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo (RMWB) from their $16.8-million capital commitment.

In November 2019, the RMWB Council approved a $16.8-million capital commitment for the project to create an international art gallery, develop a dedicated ceramics studio, and convert the former gymnasium into flexible studio spaces. The gallery would be an extension and adaptation of existing Keyano Theatre space. The funds were conditional on reaching a governance agreement, investigating additional funding sources and conducting rigorous public engagement.

“The RMWB is a valued partner and I wish to express my sincere thanks to Mayor and Council and the RMWB Administration for their support” said Interim President and CEO, Dale Mountain. “Given the current situation with a global pandemic, the fiscal realities of the College, and the aftermath of the Fort McMurray Flood, there are other priorities that need to be addressed at this time. We feel the funds would be better utilized by the RMWB in other areas”, added Mountain.

“I want to acknowledge the difficult decision made by the Keyano College Board of Governors,” said Mayor Don Scott. “This decision makes sense, as with challenges related to the pandemic, flood, and current economic circumstances, it is unlikely the project would have been feasible. Keyano College has been a cornerstone in this community for decades and their long-term sustainability and service to Wood Buffalo is an important part of this region’s future.”

“I want to thank Keyano College Administration for their level of professionalism and commitment to the community as we have worked through different aspects of this project,” said Jamie Doyle, Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo’s Chief Administrative Officer. “While this project has concluded, as a key community partner, I know there will be other opportunities of collaboration to support and improve the quality of life for our residents.”

When considering the path forward, Keyano Executive and the Board of Governors indicated that given the current economic state of the region, this is simply not the right time. Keyano’s investment management agreement with Alberta’s Advanced Education includes reducing administrative costs and non-essential spending and the decision was made that taking on such an extensive project was not fiscally prudent. 

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