City Council will vote Monday on how it will provide the Prairie Gallery with new premises to replace its building which collapsed in March 2007.

Meeting as Council Committee of the Whole today, Mayor Dwight Logan and Aldermen voted to recommend the City pursue demolition and replacement of the entire structure of the former gallery building and to take steps to pay tribute to the existing historical site and building façade.

This new space would provide a new home for the Prairie Gallery, in addition to space it will occupy in the Montrose Cultural Centre, due for completion in spring 2009. The City’s new library will also reside in the Centre.

“With construction of the library/gallery project well under way, it is important that a decision is made that contributes to its progress,” says Mayor Logan. “We have consulted with the Prairie Gallery Board and it will support a conclusion on our part that clearly demonstrates it is made in the best interest of the community.”

The cost of replacing the collapsed gallery building is estimated at $3.6 million. Funds would be derived from an $850,000 insurance settlement, which is still subject to negotiation with adjusters, $1.1 million in the Gallery’s tenant and content improvement insurance policy, and $1.5 million in the City’s 2008 capital budget, which was earmarked for upgrades to the existing building.

Mayor Logan notes that a structural stability study on the portion of the building that did not collapse is pending review and while the Gallery does have insurance for contents and improvements, this coverage does not apply to updating safety and security features, temperature and humidity controls, and a fire suppression system.

Since the Prairie Art Gallery building is a designated Provincial Historic Site, the City must seek approval from the Historic Resources Management Branch and the Minister of Culture and Community Spirit in making any changes to the facility.