The Keyano College Board of Governors has passed a motion to cancel the Arts Centre Project.
In November 2019, Mayor and council approved $16.8 million in funding for the project, a decision that was met with mixed reaction from the community.
A meeting held on Sept. 30 by the Keyano College Board of Governors released the municipality from that financial commitment.
Interim President and CEO, Dale Mountain said the funds could be better utilized in other areas.
“Given the current situation with a global pandemic, the fiscal realities of the College, and the aftermath of the Fort McMurray Flood, there are other priorities that need to be addressed at this time.”
Mayor Don Scott called the college a cornerstone in our community, but said due to challenges related to the pandemic, flood, and current economic circumstances the project may not have been feasible.
He added the decision makes sense.
The project would have created an international art gallery, developed a dedicated ceramics studio and converted the former gymnasium into flexible studio spaces.
