Dear Editor:
With respect to your Oct. 17 story, 'Notional Ideas' for Lonsdale Waterfront Include Aquarium, I would like to clarify Presentation House Gallery's potential regarding the use of the Cates Tugs' shed, and the gallery's future at the foot of Lonsdale.
A decision to take the Cates Tugs' shed down was made, and correctly reported, after the City of North Vancouver's analysis of the soil and pilings under the Cates Building and in respect for the very prohibitive costs of retrofitting it for any new use.
However, council's decision was made in support of and with direction to Presentation House Gallery to begin design work on a new facility directly to the north of the existing Cates Building. While subject to future city approval, we are not, as the article states, looking for "a new location somewhere within the central waterfront area."
Presentation House Gallery has been working closely with the city for many years toward a new home, and with council's authorization this past July, is actively pursuing architectural, business and capital planning for a new facility that will benefit all North Shore residents. Concurrently, the gallery is working with stakeholders toward a cohesive design for the Central Waterfront and we are proud to feature as a prominent component in a revitalized Lower Lonsdale neighbourhood.
Reid Shier, director and curator Presentation House Gallery
