Kimberley’s cultural hub upgraded

The renovations at Centre 64 are now complete.

The renovations at Centre 64 are now complete. — Photo courtesy cbt.org

(Columbia Basin) – Kimberley residents and visitors will continue to enjoy a vibrant arts and cultural community thanks to just-completed upgrades to Centre 64, the city’s cultural hub. The $245,000 project was undertaken by the City of Kimberley, with $90,000 in support from Columbia Basin Trust.

Built in 1926, Centre 64 has been home to the city’s arts and culture community since 1976. It houses a theatre, gallery and dance studio, and hosts dozens of events each year. When the building was last renovated in the 1970s, it met the building and fire codes at the time. However, regulations have since changed. The upgrades included installing fire suppression sprinklers and a heating, ventilation and air conditioning system.

“Before the upgrades, the facility did not meet building or fire codes and we were going to have to close it for safety reasons,” said Kevin Wilson, Economic Development Officer, City of Kimberley. “This project has now made the facility safe, will improve the patron experience, and will ensure Centre 64’s continued operation for years to come.”

“Centre 64 is an important cultural and economic asset for the community,” said Lynda Lafleur, Community Relationships Manager, Columbia Basin Trust. “It helps support artists and cultural groups in the community and region, increases tourism to the area, and enhances the lives of locals.”

Columbia Basin Trust supports the ideas and efforts of the people in the Columbia Basin. To learn more about the Trust’s programs and initiatives, and how it helps deliver social, economic and environmental benefits to the Basin, visit cbt.org or call 1.800.505.8998.