Dear Editor:
I am writing in response to a letter to the editor that appeared in your May 18, 2021 issue. The letter suggested that Klee Wyck should be considered as a site for a proposed new arts and culture centre in West Vancouver. As co-chair of the District of West Vancouver’s arts facilities advisory committee, and chair of the AFAC Klee Wyck subcommittee, I can assure your readers that Klee Wyck was considered (along with 19 other district- and privately owned sites) for this purpose, but that after extensive consultation with stakeholders (arts practitioners, educators, performers, managers, and volunteers), as well as input from local businesses and neighbourhood residents, AFAC, our consultants (Cornerstone Planning Group), and district staff, it was determined that for several reasons this site would be unsuitable for a large consolidated arts centre.
Because such a centre would attract users and audiences of all ages every day of the week from morning to night, leading to constant traffic from a single point of access (Keith Road) and high noise levels in the neighbourhood, and because the site is relatively removed from the heart of Ambleside and the business district, alternative short, medium, and long-term plans were developed for the Klee Wyck site and approved at a meeting of council on Dec. 7, 2020. The plans were developed with the participation of a representative of Dr. Ethlyn Trapp’s family, and funds were allocated to transform the site over time into a usable, sustainable multi-use parkland, with spaces envisioned for a sculpture garden and small performance and/or concert areas where the arts could be enjoyed. Like plans for the arts centre, transformation of Klee Wyck will occur in several phases, over several years, with the first phase now underway.
Since forming in 2018, AFAC has conducted rigorous analysis of all possible sites for an arts centre in West Vancouver, and the two top-ranked sites, both in Ambleside, are now being put forward for public consultation. These sites are on busy transit routes, are close to the business district, and are easily accessible to local amenities such as schools.
I urge everyone to take the survey and to read all of the accompanying background information. There you will find all of the details concerning our process, and all the steps along the way by which our work was approved by council. We have a wonderful opportunity here to create both a fantastic arts centre and a renewed and refreshed Klee Wyck.
Jennifer Webb
Co-chair, arts facilities advisory committee
Editor’s note: The survey referenced in this letter is open for public input until 4 p.m. June 16. Read about the proposals and take the survey here: westvancouverite.ca/artsplanning.
