For Immediate Release

RE: Vancouver Island Exhibition Statement – The Future of The VIEx

 

On May 16, 2022, the Vancouver Island Exhibition released a statement about the possible move to Arbutus Meadows Event and Equestrian Centre in Nanoose Bay. You can read that statement here: https://www.viex.ca/about-3

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Following the approval of the applications of the Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN), RDN Agricultural Advisory Committee (AAC), and The Electoral Area Services Committee (EASC) in March of 2022, The Agricultural Land Commission (ALC) has denied our application to move the Vancouver Island Exhibition to Arbutus Meadows.

The VIEx will be held August 25th, 26th, & 27th, 2023 at Beban Park in Nanaimo.

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As mentioned in our previous statement, Beban Park has been the home of the VIEx since the early 1950’s. Earlier this year, The City of Nanaimo requested that we have an Engineer come in and inspect the safety of our barns. The result of those inspections is, unfortunately, not good. All 5 of our remaining animal barns have now been condemned and are deemed unsafe for public use.

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While this news is devastating to our organization, The VIEx Board of Directors felt very strongly that we must persevere and take the necessary steps to be able to hold our 129th Exhibition and continue the tradition in Nanaimo.

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To accommodate our livestock displays and shows, we have had to cancel our in-person Home Arts, which will now be held online. We will be putting some animals in the Centennial Building, and some animals in rented tents outside on the grounds.

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Anyone wishing to enter Home Arts can do so at www.viex.ca/homearts

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The future of the VIEx is unclear. As part of our agreement with the City of Nanaimo we must tear down and replace our red barns with an “Agricultural Centre” estimated at roughly $6 million. As a non-profit organization we must lean heavily on our community in order to raise the funds to rebuild and for VIEx to survive.

The VIEx is now accepting donations of cash and/or supplies to rebuild. To donate, or to volunteer to help with the deconstruction and reconstruction of buildings please contact the VIEx by phone 250-758-3247 or email info@viex.ca

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Please feel free to reach out anytime with questions, comments, or concerns.

 

-The Vancouver Island Exhibition Board of Directors