Build New Center For Ukrainians In Calgary (12/26/76)

Build New Center For Ukrainians In Calgary

by Ihor Osakiwsky

CALGARY, Alta. - Construction of a $573,000 Ukrainian cultural center in the city began at the close of last month with an official sod-turning ceremony at the center's building site.

And if all goes well, the bi-level structure, occupying more than 18,000 sq. ft., will be completed by May 1, 1977.

Bud Zip, chairman of St. Vladimir's Ukrainian Greek-Orthodox Church board (the church is the initiator of the project), said there was a revision in the plans of the building following the bid submission in order to cut costs. The change has led to a reduction of $100,000 in the cost of the building.

Lowest Bidder

According to the board chairman, Thor Construction of Calgary was given the contract to build the structure. The company was the lowest of seven bidders.

The project, spearheaded by St. Vladimir's church at 402 Meredith Rd. N.E. here, entered the serious planning stages in 1973. The structure will be located "just east of the present church."

Mr. Zip said in an interview that the center will be for Ukrainians in Calgary.

Describing it as "a place for social gatherings, both formal and informal", he also added it will be a center for youth activities - Ukrainian dancing lessons, Saturday and Sunday school classes, community meetings and other events.

The two-floor structure will consist of a basement and an upstairs where the balcony will overlook the Bow River.

Included in the upper-floor area will be: an auditorium seating 400 people; an industrial-type kitchen with walk in freezers; storage and extensive checking facilities, and a stage.

Featured on the lower floor will be a library, a museum for both the parish and the center.

The structure, to be called St. Vladimir's Ukrainian Cultural Center, will meet its operating costs from rental income on the hall along with other facilities.

Funds

Half of the construction costs are being financed by the provincial government while some of the financing is coming from funds that were already set aside for the structure.

Other sources of capital are the insurance settlement from a fire at the church last summer as well as donations from parishioners and people within the Calgary Ukrainian community.

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