It was a packed house at Âé¶čAV City Hall on Monday (Dec. 9) as the public came to hear the Community Task Force on the Performing Arts present its recommendations to council.
Task Force member Nikki Csek told council that at first, the committee believed it would recommend tearing down the Âé¶čAV Community Theatre (KCT) to make way for a new performing arts centre.
âHowever, as we delved deeper and gained insight from each presentation, our understanding evolved,â Csek said. âThis guided us toward a more informed and thoughtful recommendation.â
She added that it became clear the KCT was already meeting the needs of the community.
âAny disruption to its operation will have significant impact and far-reaching consequences for these organizations, the performers, and the community members who cherish these cultural experiences,â Csek said.
The Task Forceâs report highlights the challenges the arts community faces without more performance spaces, noting that growth would be limited. Adding more venues would create significant economic, cultural, and social benefits for the city.
One of the main recommendations was to keep and renovate the KCT while building a new performing arts centre. Staff told council that the KCT only has 1.5 âdark daysâ (days when it's not in use) each week. Renovations would be scheduled during times that minimize disruptions.
Mayor Tom Dyas called it âa journey of discovery.â
âDespite setting out with clear objectives, the Task Force uncovered a different path, revealing complexities and considerations it hadnât fully anticipated,â he said.
The Task Force also recommended staying in place as an advisory body until at least December 2025. Council voted unanimously to accept the recommendations.
A statement from Citizens for a New Performing Arts Centre (CN-PAC) says it is encouraged by the recommendation that council pursue the creation of a new performing arts venue, and that it must be located in the heart of Âé¶čAVâs cultural district.
âWe applaud the task force for recognizing the economic and social benefits that an iconic new performing arts space would bring to our community,â said CN-PAC President Myles Bruckal. âA new centre must be exceptional and it must be situated in a central location that truly does it justice.â
City staff will now begin developing an implementation plan. This will include working with stakeholders, finding a location, analyzing space needs, and planning and design work. Staff will provide updates to council as the project progresses
