Lynnwood Arts slated to move to archives facility

The Lynnwood Arts Centre is on the move.

Luke Edwards

Grant Haven Media

While Lynnwood Arts Centre was back on the docket for Norfolk councillors, neither of the two organizations who spoke at the most recent meeting quite got what they were asking for, though a transition period may offer some relief for the Lynnwood board.

Councillors at the April 28 meeting passed a resolution that kept the plans to issue a notice of default to the Lynnwood board, while also directing staff develop a transition plan in consultation with the Lynnwood board to relocate the board and collection to the Norfolk County Archives Facility.

The move would also only occur after necessary renovations are completed at the Eva Brook Donly building.

County funding for the Lynnwood board would continue through 2026, and potentially into the future, depending on budget approvals.

“It provides some fiscal certainty going forward for the County and the board,” said CAO Al Meneses after reading out the lengthy resolution.

He said the intent is also to provide some urgency so staff can come up with an appropriate transition plan with Lynnwood in the 30-day notice period.

Earlier in the meeting councillors heard from Lynnwood board vice chair Dan Pearce, presenting on behalf of chair Paul Hammond. That presentation reiterated Lynnwood’s desire to stay in its namesake building but acknowledged negotiations with the County remained far apart.

“Given these (differences) we have decided not to pursue staying at Lynnwood,” he said.

Moving to the Eva Brook Donly building was the other proposal, and Pearce requested the County not place Lynnwood in a position of default. He also stressed the importance of keeping the art collection in one place.

Norfolk Historical Society President Kate van der Meer also reiterated her organization’s position that sharing space with Lynnwood could pose problems when it comes to storage.

“To continue down this path would be a mistake from an archival storage and retention perspective and for the legacy of Lynnwood as a national historic site,” she said, urging councillors to consider options previously identified by staff, which revolved around coming up with a new arrangement that keeps the art centre in Lynnwood.