Three groups, School District 53, the Regional District Okanagan-Similkameen, and the Town of Oliver will meet Thursday to put the ink on an operational agreement for the Venables Theatre. Or that is the hope.

No details have been released but School Board officials were asked a number of pointed questions about the lack of an agreement – by reporters from Penticton and Oliver.

The 12 million dollar facility is not ready to open yet with tradesman still in and on the building and an opening date set for Thursday February 6th.

Secretary-Treasurer Lynda Minabarriet told trustees “the discussions on an operational agreement continue but the three parties want to announce something soon so that bookings for the facility can commence.”

On the 1st of March – the facility will be accepting bookings and the operating group want the word to get out to those that may want to rent the building.

A joint press release is expected to be issued within a week according to the board.

Minabarriet stated that once the building is basically finished the big glass windows will be covered with paper to increase the interest and excitement of a grand opening.

Chair Marieze Tarr told reporters that a lot of information has not been released because of the nature of negotiating (in-camera) with three parties.