Re: "A second arts centre?," Friday, Sept. 14.

On behalf of the Port Moody Arts Centre Society I would like to respond to your article "Second Arts Centre?"

When it was decided that the heritage house had to be moved, the provincial government asked the city if the would like it.

In March 2012 the Port Moody Arts Centre Society was asked by the City if they could use it. We happily accepted and were very excited that we could begin to offer arts and cultural events that have not been available in the Tri-Cities.

Council encouraged us to apply for the federal grant. We worked through the summer to prepare the material to meet the deadline of Sept. 30.

This deadline is important because as part of the grant criteria, we have to have the house opened during our centennial year.

We asked for almost the maximum allowed because we know, very often, an organization only gets a percentage of that requested. The city then matches whatever money we are granted.

I was surprised that some of the councillors appeared unaware that it was the grant application they were asked to support. I was disappointed, as the federal government needs to know the city council is fully supporting this development.

The city spends considerable sums of money on the library and soccer fields; both important parts of our community. But we are the City of the Arts.

There is plenty of research that shows that the availability of both arts and culture in the city leads to a thriving and healthy community.

We need the additional space for our growing community and we need to preserve our heritage buildings.

Ann Kitching President, Port Moody Arts Centre Society