“On the issue of insurance for the Venables and West Gym, the Joint Use Agreement between the Town of Oliver, RDOS and School District 53 calls for the district to carry insurance on the Venables and West Gym. It reads:

Property Damage Insurance

35. SD53 will maintain an all risk property damage insurance policy to cover the West Gym and the FVA in an amount adequate to replace, repair or rebuild FVA and the West Gym in the event of loss or damage arising from all insurable risks including but not necessarily limited to vandalism, fire, flood, waterbreak, sewer backup, wind, rain, earthquake or accidental damage by users of the FVA and the West Gym. Such policies of insurance must contain terms and conditions and deductibles satisfactory to Oliver and the RDOS acting reasonably. SD53 will pay the premiums for property damage insurance, but may include such premiums in the accounting of maintenance and operation costs under this Agreement.

The Town and Area C have already advanced $1.52 million towards the construction so we are a direct party to the loss. Local government will have to be on top of this issue immediately to defend our interests. We have lost a significant piece of our heritage with the fire. We may never be able to replace the architectural heritage but we must fight to preserve the equally important heritage in HAVING a theatre as a cultural asset.”

Michael Newman

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“According to SD 53 Secretary-Treasurer Lynda Minnabarriet the adjustors are still reviewing the situation regarding insurance coverage; this apparently will take several days. The ministry does not fund auditoriums as part of its capital expenditures but I cannot reasonably comment further on the matter until we are advised as to the insurance status; further conjecture will only create more questions that cannot be answered at this time. It is my intention to follow this very carefully and ensure that the Town is kept up to date immediately answers are available.

In my opinion, we must replace Venables. It was an Art Deco architectural icon, a cultural asset to the community and a building with community ties for which hundreds of our residents laid out thousands of dollars in donations to support its renovation in addition to the money authorized by referendum. The emotional impact will be felt by many people for many years and we must all come together to ensure we build a new structure in memory of the Venables Auditorium. I am asking for suggestions on what this should look like which can be posted on my Facebook Group page ‘Mayor Pat Hampson wants your input’ and also on my Web site www.mayorpathampson.com”

Pat Hampson

Thanks to Russell Work – this edited panorama picture was submitted to me last April. 2nd photo taken from Facebook “Save Frank Venables Auditorium” page – owner unknown.