The much anticipated Anvil Centre was given a helping hand at city council's committee of the whole meeting March 4.
Councillors unanimously voted in a new sponsorship and donation policy for the centre that will allow "businesses and individuals to align their brand with the Anvil Centre," which will bring in revenue for the centre.
While it's too early to estimate how much money this will generate for the centre, the city believes it will help with the costs of programs and services offered when the centre opens in 2014.
"Funds that might be raised, through either donations or sponsorships, would be used to augment the operations of Anvil Centre, as opposed to be a core funding source for the general operations of the centre," said Dean Gibson, director of parks, culture and recreation.
Sponsorship or donations will only apply to the interior areas of the centre, meaning there won't be a Pepsi Anvil Centre popping anytime soon, he said.
Gibson suggested donors look at this opportunity much like West Vancouver did when constructing the Kay Meek Centre. The centre was named for its largest and most supportive donor. In New Westminster residents could consider sponsoring certain areas within the centre as part of a legacy-style donation.
"For organizations or families that may want to make significant contributions to the facility," Gibson said. "Those sort of things are great examples of how philanthropic efforts of community members can benefit the municipal operations."
Before any donations or sponsorships can be accepted, the city has to identify the various assets within the building.
"These are the different components of the building that are likely to be attractive to a potential sponsor or donor," Gibson said.
Such assets could include the multi-use arts rooms or the theatre.
On top of this task, it'll be the responsibility of the steering committee to develop a rights and benefits catalogue to be passed along to prospective donors and sponsors.
Gibson expects the committee to work on the catalogue over the course of the year in order to have it ready prior to the opening of the centre.
"(We want) to be able to out in the marketplace making these opportunities available," he said.
But that doesn't mean the city isn't open to sponsorship or donation inquiries right now.
Any individual, corporation or organization interested in such opportunities are encouraged to contact the city, Gibson said.
