The Kootenay Gallery’s long-held vision of moving to a central location is moving forward
The Kootenay Gallery’s long-held dream of moving to a more visible and central location is finally moving forward with the purchase of the former Element/Woods building at 292 Columbia Ave. in downtown Castlegar.
The gallery’s current location is nestled at the end of Heritage Way, across the highway from the West Kootenay Regional Airport. It is in an area void of foot traffic that does not easily attract casual visitors.
“This significant step aligns with our long-term vision to relocate downtown and enhance the cultural landscape of Castlegar and the West Kootenay region,” said the gallery’s board chair Audrey Maxwell-Polovnikoff. “Our commitment to financial responsibility remains at the forefront of this endeavour. The Kootenay Gallery is diligently managing the relocation process to ensure it aligns with our mission and financial capacity.”
In 2021, the gallery announced plans to be part of a redevelopment project at the Eremenko Building at 310 Columbia Ave. The plan called for a mixed-use development featuring a new gallery connected to an apartment building.
However, as project costs rose and timelines shifted, the gallery board ultimately determined that purchasing an existing building for renovation, rather than pursuing new construction, would be a more feasible and sustainable path forward.
The Eremenko building is slated for demolition in the coming months. But funding for the housing project has yet to materialize.
“We’re proud to finalize the sale of this strategic downtown property to the Kootenay Gallery after years of work behind the scenes. This was about more than a transaction – it was about ensuring the right organization would help anchor the continued revitalization of our downtown core,” said Florio Vassilakakis, whose family owns the Element building.
“From the beginning, our family had a vision to create a space where people could gather, connect, and make lasting memories. We’ve been deeply committed to this community and the arts for over 20 years, and we’re thrilled to see the arts continue to flourish as this venue rises again as a hub for culture and creativity. It’s a meaningful moment for both the art gallery and Castlegar, and we’re proud to have played a part in it.”
The Kootenay Gallery staff and board are now developing fundraising plans and are working with designers to prepare for renovations. More detailed plans and timelines will be shared as the project progresses.
“We sincerely appreciate the community’s support and enthusiasm as we navigate this exciting transition,” said Joleen Kinakin, the gallery’s executive director. “This development promises to bring new energy and opportunities for the Kootenay Gallery and contributes to the broader goal of redeveloping two downtown corners of Columbia Ave.”
Kinakin says the move will strengthen the gallery’s capacity to better serve the community, expand exhibition spaces, and support the continued growth of programming, workshops, and events.
“We are honoured to have both expertise and financial support from the City of Castlegar, with whom we are collaborating closely to ensure the project aligns with the city’s municipal development plans and supports its cultural and community growth,” adds Kinakin. “We’re also grateful to have the support of BC Arts Council and Regional District Area J, highlighting the strong regional commitment to creating a vibrant, arts-focused hub in the West Kootenays.”