Following successful discussions held over the past week, School District 67, the Okanagan School of the Arts (OSA) and the City of Penticton have agreed to a joint partnership that provides support to the OSA during their forthcoming transition from leased space at the Shatford Centre to a new location.
Through the terms agreed to, the City will cover the OSA’s cost of insurance and city supplied utilities (approximately $17,291) while SD67 has agreed to give the OSA an extension to support their transition from the building for an additional two months.
The current lease was set to expire in two weeks on June 30, 2020. Through the provided extension, the OSA group will have additional time available to make their transition until August 31, 2020.
“I want to thank the dozens of volunteers and community members who have contributed to the success of the OSA in the Shatford Centre,” said Penticton Mayor, John Vassilaki. “The City is pleased to announce this partnership today so that momentum is not lost during the transition.”
“We recognize the Shatford Centre is a valuable community asset and appreciate the work the Okanagan School of the Arts did in improving and maintaining the building over the past decade,” said School District Chair, James Palanio. “While we appreciate the tremendous work the OSA had done during their tenancy in the SD67 Shatford building, SD67 is not in a position to use Ministry of Education resources directed to support student learning to maintain the OSA’s occupancy of the building.”
"While we would have preferred to remain in the Shatford Centre and continue our arts programs in the building, we believe today's announcement allows us time to transition to a new location and plan our future. We are very grateful for the trust the community had in us to use this building for the last decade. We would like to thank all of those who have volunteered and donated over the years", said President of the OSA, Keith MacIntyre. "Our current priority is to ensure all our community assets are carefully moved. We will then chart a new path forward with our members so that we can continue to promote creativity and connection through our courses, workshops, and programs."