The Capital Regional District (CRD) Board is taking a major step towards establishing a Performing Arts Facilities Service that will scale up support for regional theatres. The Board approved a recommendation from the Performing Arts Facilities Select Committee (PAFSC), giving three readings to Establishing Bylaw No. 4704, and directing staff to seek elector approval through an Alternative Approval Process (AAP) for the 14 participating jurisdictions which include:
- Central Saanich
- Colwood
- Esquimalt
- Highlands
- Langford
- Metchosin
- North Saanich
- Oak Bay
- Saanich
- Sidney
- Southern Gulf Islands
- Sooke
- Victoria
- View Royal
“This is a milestone we’ve been working toward for years, and the Board’s unanimous support reflects the strong belief in what this new service will mean for our region,” said CRD Board Chair Cliff McNeil-Smith. “Local performing arts are a vital part of our communities—they inspire creativity, bring people together, and enrich our cultural life. Moving forward with this new service brings us closer to expanding the support our local theatres need to thrive.”
The proposed Performing Arts Facilities Service is designed to provide operating and capital funding to the capital region’s three regional theatres: the Charlie White Theatre, the Royal Theatre, and the McPherson Playhouse. It will also help to develop potential new performing arts facilities with regional impact, like the Juan de Fuca Performing Arts Centre Society’s proposed new theatre in the West Shore.
If approved, the new service will provide support to each facility through three core functions:
- Plan: grants for feasibility studies, business plans, and construction planning.
- Develop: minor capital funding for renovations and accessibility upgrades; staff support for external grant applications.
- Fund: operating grants for existing theatres and rental subsidies for non-profit community arts groups based in participating jurisdictions.
The CRD will continue to be the steward of both the Royal Theatre (owned by the CRD) and the McPherson Playhouse (owned by the City of Victoria). If the new service is approved, it will replace and enhance the two pre-existing CRD services that currently support these theatres. The Saanich Peninsula Memorial Park Society will continue to own and operate the Charlie White Theatre and will receive support from the new service through a contribution agreement.
The new service aims to address several long-standing challenges identified in a report prepared for the PAFSC in 2024 (Analysis of Service Options to Support Performing Arts Facilities):
- Stagnant funding levels for both the Royal Theatre and McPherson Playhouse since the late 1990s, resulting in a 40% loss in purchasing power over time
- Lack of regional coordination in planning and funding
- High rental costs limiting access for local arts groups
- Unequal cost-sharing across the region despite widespread benefits
- Absence of a regional theatre in the rapidly growing West Shore
The new sub-regional service balances inclusivity, financial sustainability, and responsiveness to community needs. The proposed 14 participating jurisdictions represent 96% of the CRD’s population.
If approved, the new Performing Arts Facilities Service is expected to:
- Improve access and affordability for local arts groups
- Strengthen infrastructure and programming across the region
- Support youth and educational initiatives
- Foster regional equity in arts and culture
Elector approval is required to authorize the creation of a new service. The CRD will launch an Alternate Approval Process in winter 2025/26, asking electors to indicate whether they support the creation of a new Performing Arts Facilities Service. If successful, the Establishing Bylaw 4707 will be reviewed by the Inspector of Municipalities in the Spring of 2026. Once approved by the Inspector, the new service can be established and incorporated into the 2027 financial plan.
- Learn more about the Alternative Approval Process
- October 1, 2025 PAFSC meeting – watch the recording or view the agenda
- October 8, 2025 CRD Board meeting – watch the recording or view the agenda
For more information, please contact the CRD Arts & Culture Division at artsdevelopment@crd.bc.ca
