Vernon Towne Theatre Named Community Spaces Grant Recipient

Okanagan Screen Arts Society (Vernon Towne Theatre) receives $32,000 from Co-op Community Spaces for their Accessibility Project

The Okanagan Screen Arts Society (Vernon Towne Theatre) in Vernon BC is one of 14 projects selected to receive a portion of the $1 million Co-op Community Spaces funding in 2025. This year, the Armstrong Regional Cooperative and Otter Co-op are proud to announce that the Okanagan Screen Arts Society’s Accessibility Project is receiving $32,000 in support of this project.

“Locally, the Armstrong Regional Co-op is proud to support organizations and projects that make a difference to our members and our community. When completed, the Vernon Towne Theatre’s accessibility project will make our local theatre available to those with hearing and mobility impairments,” said Jason Keis Marketing and Community Relations Manager of the Armstrong Regional Co-op.

“We’re incredibly excited to be a part of this important initiative. Improvements like this ensure that everyone in our community, regardless of ability, can enjoy the art, culture, and experience that the Vernon Towne Theatre provides.” Added Sean Weatherly, Otter Co-op and Angry Otter Liquor’s Marketing and Community Relations Manager. “As well, thank you to both Armstrong Regional Co-op and Federated Co-operatives Limited for giving us the opportunity to collaborate with them in support of such a great local cause.”

Co-op Community Spaces is designed to help protect, beautify and improve spaces across Western Canada. Since 2015, Community Spaces has invested a total of $14.5 million in 203 projects in three categories: recreation, environmental conservation and urban agriculture. FCL administers Community Spaces on behalf of more than 150 local Co-ops operating in 650 communities.

“We are very thankful to Co-op for their Community Spaces donation and excited to have it kick start our fundraising for the theatre’s accessibility project.” said Scott John, managing director with the Okanagan Screen Arts Society.

With the United Nations declaring 2025 the International Year of the Co-operative, this year’s program carries greater purpose and significance than ever before. Through initiatives like Community Spaces, Co-op is proud to celebrate the meaningful contributions co-operatives – such as our Co-op – make to communities at home and around the world.

This is the second time in three years a community project has been selected for a Community Spaces grant within the Otter Co-op  trading area with the last time being in 2023 when $50,000 was donated to Julia's Junction in West Kelowna. Hear more about that project HERE.

Learn more about the Co-op Community Spaces program and its recipients at communityspaces.ca.