City to assume management of North Peace Cultural Centre

Yesterday, the City of Fort St. John provided notice to the North Peace Cultural Society that it would assume management of the North Peace Cultural Centre effective September 2021.

Since 2015, the City and North Peace Cultural Society have had a Management Agreement for the operations of the North Peace Cultural Centre. This agreement ended in late 2020, and during discussions of a new agreement, it has become apparent that there are fundamental differences between the two groups relating to the responsibilities and opportunities of community cultural services. As we look at the cultural programming and events in other communities, we have not seen the same level of programming locally.

Additionally, over the past several years, the City of Fort St. John has invested heavily in additional cultural amenities such as the new stage in Centennial Park and the Festival Plaza and requires a community-wide approach to arts and cultural services. Further, this management change allows the City of Fort St. John to enter into a lease agreement with the Fort St. John Public Library to ensure their long-term viability.

“The North Peace Cultural Society has contributed to many aspects of culture within the community, and for that, we thank them. This was not a decision that Council took lightly, and we reviewed many aspects of arts and culture across the community. We are committed to enhancing the art and cultural programming and ensuring cultural spaces are affordable and available for all. Council looks forward to working with the existing users of the centre and the entire arts community in a new and invigorating way as we move forward,” stated Mayor Lori Ackerman.

-30-

Media Contact
Ryan Harvey
Communication Coordinator
250-794-3313