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Council to discuss Port Theatre Society's three step plan Monday night

Plan outlines approach to expanding theatre facility

NEWS RELEASE - Distributed September 5, 2014 11:59 AM

Summary

During the upcoming Council meeting scheduled for Monday, September 8th, the Port Theatre Society will make a presentation to Council requesting a motion be made to partner the City of Nanaimo with the Port Theatre Society for the construction of a Community Performing Arts Centre. This expansion of the Port Theatre will include a performance space with seating capacity for 220, rehearsal space and lobby.

The estimated cost for the Community Performing Arts Centre is $12.6 million. The Port Theatre Society is contributing $8 million through their fund raising initiatives and will be requesting that City Council commit $4.6 million to the project (dependent on the Port Theatre securing the remaining funds). The City will then apply for both the Federal government's Build Canada Fund and Sesquicentennial Grants, to be used as part of the City's funding commitment.

An additional request will also seek Council's approval to proceed with plans to build the City-owned facility on the existing theatre site and that support be given for a $2 million line of credit in order to proceed with design and engineering completion.

Link to Strategic Plan: Cultural Vitality - Creativity, Diversity, Heritage and Innovation.

Key Points

  • The request for financial support follows the completion of a successful business planning process held by the Port Theatre Society which saw strong support from the community to expand the Port Theatre facilities.
  • Expanding the Port Theatre facilities will meet projected growth by providing long-term, sustainable, accessible and affordable performance and rehearsal spaces for community users.
  • Expanding the Port Theatre facilities is expected to encourage greater creative diversity throughout Nanaimo and the region, improve support for professional artists and cultural workers, and attract more national and international acts to Nanaimo.

Quotes

John Ruttan

"The Port Theatre Society has completed a thorough three step business plan outlining the need and advantages of this facility expansion. I look forward to discussing the proposed motion with Council Monday night."

John Ruttan
Mayor
City of Nanaimo
-30-

Contact:

Chris Sholberg
Community / Heritage Planner
City of Nanaimo
250-755-4472

Print News Release

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