September 19, 2008

Prairie Art Gallery’s fate uncertain after roof collapse

GRANDE PRAIRIE, Alta.

It’s been 18 months since the roof of the Prairie Art Gallery in Grande Prairie, Alta., partially collapsed, and the city has yet to decide whether to build a new structure or rebuild using part of the original one.

City council has passed a recommendation to establish a committee to ensure a smooth and quick transition for the “new” structure, while also addressing any problems that may arise.

The fate of the old gallery building is still undecided.

The city has asked for the remains to be demolished and is still waiting for a response from the provincial government.

Whether some of the structure will be preserved, or a new building built on the site, is still to be determined.

Robert Steven, executive director and curator of the gallery, said establishing the committee is a welcome step.

“I think this committee will allow the gallery to offer more assurance to our members and our friends and supporters that we know what is happening and that we are involved,” said Steven.

“It definitely gives us a more formal role. It also allows council an opportunity to be fully informed and responsive. I think it’s all about making sure the best thing happens in the end.”

While waiting for the provincial government to give the go-ahead for demolition, nearly 560 square metres of space will be accessible to the gallery through the Montrose Cultural Centre, which is nearly finished being constructed.

The Prairie Art Gallery invested roughly $3.5 million in the centre hoping to have 1,200 square metres. of working space. But the gallery lost about 840 square metres with the roof collapse.

“We will still be lacking space as compared to two, three years ago. We’ve invested five years of our efforts in making this expansion happen, but it won’t actually be an expansion until the old building is replaced.”

The roof on the south side of the gallery crashed to the floor on March 19, 2007. but not before a quick-thinking curator made sure everyone was safe after he noticed a support beam was cracked and water was pouring in.

Canadian Press

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