10 - Sunday, March 29, 1992 - North Shore News Cultural centre set to open New Deep Cove facility will include theatre, art gallery, amphitheatre — AT A time when art and culture have been deemed super- fluous by many a frugal municipality, the Deep Cove C::ltural Society is thanking its lucky stars. On Tuesday it opens its new 5,700-square-foot cultural centre after four years of planning. “I think a lot of us are still pinching ourselves,’’ says society treasurer Damian Inwood. ‘‘We’re probably the envy of a lot of other areas.” The facility, located on the cor- ner of Gallant Avenue and Panorama Drive, includes a 130- seat theatre, a 1,000-square-foot art gallery, a heritage room, community meeting room and outdoor amphitheatre. Taking the project from the planning stages to construction has been an uphill battle for those involved. The Deep Cove Cultural Socie- ty, made up of a handful of community groups, has spent thousands of hours planning for the facility and mounting imagi- native fundraising schemes — everything from a telethon to fashion shows to murder-mystery packages. They refused to give up on the project, even when the federai government threatened to withhold support. (The govern- ment has since come through with a $175,000 grant, but it has taken two long years to materialize and "+ the society still hasn't actually received the cheque.) Among themselves, the society has raised over $120,000 towards _the $1.1 million centre. Society vice-president Michael Smith says their success is due, in large part, to the solid track re- cords of the artists involved who plan to make the centre home. They include First Impressions Theatre, Deep Cove Stage, the Seymour Art Gallery, the Deep Cove and Area Heritage Associa- tion and the Deep Cove Chamber By Evelyn Jacob News Reporter Soloists. “We weren’t just a bunch of people with unreasonable dreams,’”’ said Smith, ‘‘We’ve all been around for awhile, and we've supported each other. This (cen- tre) came about because nobody quit.”’ North Vancouver District is be- ing credited for having the politi- cal will to see the project through. District council, after all, sup- ported the cultural centre from the ° beginning. It also donated the land and sheiled out more than $300,000. “We really have to thank them,’’ noted Inwood, ‘‘because without their support, I don’t think this would have happened.’” (Other groups have also .made donations. The Mount Seymour Lions Club gave $60,000, and Shaw Cable pitched in $30,000.) On Tuesday the society is hosting a VIF opening of the cen- tre by invitation only. Then on Saturday, April 4, the facility goes on public display, with a tour of the building and theatre perfor- mance. (It begins’ at 8 p.m. For tickets, phone Eileen Smith at 929-2998). The Seymour Art Gallery, which for years operated out of the community wing of Seycove ‘Secondary School, is celebrating its official opening April 2 with an ambitious exhibit featuring the work of four respected North Shore artists, Bill Featherstone, Ted Kingan, Arnold Shives, Gor- don Smith, and their proteges. The new centre should satisfy some local arts groups’ concerns about the lack of performance fa- cilities in North..Vancouver. and Set your sights high. In trees just above the Second Narrows. What's your potential? Find out. Register at Capilano. Full-time. Part-time. For personal development in your education, career or vocation. Or just for your own enjoyment. both Inwood and Smith say it will be a boon to Deep Cove’s retail community. For First Impressions Theatre, a local theatre group that never had a home of its own, the centre is a welcome addition. “Rehearsal space has always been a problem. Groups like ours work out of schools, churches — anywhere we can find the space,”’ says First Impressions’ Eileen Smith. For the past few years the group has had to mount its pro- ductions at Burnaby’s James Cowan Theatre because it says it cannot afford to rehearse at Pres- entation House. . “The trouble is, when some meiabers find out they have to go all the way to Burnaby to rehearse three times a week,’’ says Smith, “they say, ‘That’s too far.’ "’ One of the first productions to be staged in the new theatre will be Theatre B.C.’s North Shore Zone Festival of Plays (April 20 to 25), which feature several en- tries from local amateur theatre groups. From now on, neither First Im- pressions nor Deep Cove Stage will have to leave their community to showcase their talent. (When available, the theatre will be rented out to other community groups.) The estimated cost to run the ‘ centre at this point is still sketch3. Inwood says the society will con- tinue to support it through fund- raising efforts and rental income. “I think people will be lining up to use this building,’ says In- wood. . And with the exception of one or two paid staff, it will be totally volunteer-run. The important thing is - that Deep Cove residents will finally be able to show and view art and perform and attend theatre right in their own community.” Explore Capilane! On a park-like mountainside campus only minutes by bus or car from North Shore communities. We take pride in bringing out the best. We're dedicated to excellence, quality and innovation. That is reflected in students, staff and the exceptional faculty assembled for Academic Studies, Career and Vocational Programs, Preparatory and Extension courses. It's also apparent in student achievement _and satisfaction. You'll want to register. Deadline for the 1992 fall term is March 31 for Academic Studies; varied for Career/Vocational programs. Make Capilano your first choice. Call us on the Advising Centre Hotline — 984-4990, Quality of Life Excellence of Mind a the ‘Greater have. | proposed plans with you. i For further information call: f 432-6473 or fax 432-6297. they should he derwood flanre. a PeReO=ePeOaSsEeD CAPILANO HYDROELECTRIC POWER PROJECT PUBLIC INFORMATION OPEN HOUSE __ The Greater Vancouver Water District (GVWD), a division of Vancouver Regional District (GVRD), is considering the installation of an underground power generating | facility at thé existing Cleveland Dam in Capilano. River Regional Park. The intent of this proposal is to use reveriues § from the sale of power to B.C. Hydro to help offset the present | cost of supplying water. . THE PROJECT If approved, the project would involve construction of: an underground chamber to house a power station on the west side of the Cleveland Dam; if a small fenced transformer yard located near, the dam T at a site which will be ‘screened from view; . either an above ground or underground transmission. : fine connecting to the existing Glenmore transmission line and substation. COMMUNITY INPUT A preliminary impact assessment is being initiated to determine : the’ possible effects of the proposal and to identify ways to § j avoid or lessen any negative effects. You are invited to attend and provide input’ and we would B welcome any questions, comments or suggestions you may Staff and consultants will be on hand to discuss. the J » Date: * Time: ‘Thursday, “April 2 | er” Greater. § Vancouver § egional District Paul Archibald Senior Project Engineer, GVRD 6 7 q “J Ropes Pays Off GF