The Capital Regional District hopes to paint a brighter future for arts groups in the community with a potential new service program waiting in the wings.
The board tasked staff with drafting an establishing bylaw and service plan for a new performing arts facilities service based on the primary recommendation of a Nordicity report presented during its July 9 meeting.
The report analyzed five options – previously presented to the board in November 2024 – as well as the status quo and the initiatives within each option for economic impact, net present value and social return on investment. It deemed three things most relevant. It found all CRD municipalities benefit from the existing theatres but not so much electoral districts, due to geography.
Another highlight, also noted around the table, is the value of the proposed theatre rental grant program.
The Nordicity report also notes that minor capital support for asset management is essential, but funding construction of new regional theatres does not “demonstrate clear value due to current lack of an identified project and high opportunity cost.”
The proposed service would see the three existing regional theatres supported by all 13 municipalities with the addition of planning grants and theatre rental grants, and the flexibility to support a future regional theatre on the West Shore. This option includes funding for operating and minor capital expenditures, but does not include a major capital reserve for new construction.
Director Marie-Terese Little, the Metchosin mayor, was the lone vote in opposition, citing budget concerns and that the community is likely more in line with an electoral district than other municipalities.
“I do support the arts personally. … Speaking about this fiscally, Metchosin is so challenged right now. We have an operational budget that is three to four per cent of Victoria’s and Saanich’s,” Little said. “A $20,000 ask is really significant for us.”
The motion was put forward by Director Marianne Alto, mayor of Victoria where council has long felt saddled with the costs associated with Royal and McPherson theatres. The Royal and McPherson Theatres Society funding has been frozen for about 25 years and the purchasing power of that funding has decreased by 40 per cent, the report noted. Between the costs and complicated bylaws, there are a number of affordability barriers created at the theatres making it difficult for both local arts users and maintenance.
Alto was among those who highlighted the theatre rental grants that would help non-profit and school presenters offset costs, improving access and usage. Rising rental costs are outpacing local theatre providers’ abilities to pay, pushing them out of larger venues.
“The grants are a huge deal,” said Director Kevin Murdoch, mayor of Oak Bay. “I don’t think we really understand the ramifications of that. For theses smaller entities to be able to put on larger performances, get access, bring up the utilization rates of these facilities, make it viable for new facilities to be built, make it viable for the West Shore to have a potential partner at the table to help fund a regionally significant theatre. There are so many positives.”
The potential for grants is a “game changer” agreed Director Jeremy Caradonna, a Victoria councillor, noting it is estimated it could generate 70 to 80 more shows. He also commended, and seconded the motion that would allow electoral areas to opt in, a concept put forward by Director Paul Brent, electoral area director for Southern Gulf Islands. He noted he and other islands residents aren’t infrequent users of the Charlie White Theatre in Sidney.
“We have to step up as a region and all participate to the benefit of the entire region,” he said.
While amended so electoral areas can participate, the idea of a region not being part of the service remained a concern for Director Maya Tait, mayor of Sooke, who also voiced concern arts groups in her community were not consulted for the report. Access and inclusivity would mean “it’s an all-or-nothing” proposal.
“All of the children of today and the future will access these theatres at some point in time,” she said. “Everyone around this table needs to participate in this together and that will make it a stronger service.”
Staff hope to have something back before the performing arts facilities select committee, which makes recommendations to the CRD board, by September or October.
