CRD Board adopts bylaw to establish Performing Arts Facilities Service

McPherson Playhouse stage with curtain closed. Courtesy of RMTS staff.

The Capital Regional District (CRD) Board has adopted Bylaw No. 4704 [PDF/116KB] to establish a new Performing Arts Facilities Service (PAFS). The bylaw was adopted after receiving elector assent through a regional Alternative Approval Process (AAP).

The Performing Arts Facilities Service was introduced to scale-up regional support for our regional theatres, making them more sustainable and ensuring that residents have increased access to affordable arts opportunities. The new service will provide funding to three existing regional theatres (the Charlie White Theatre in the Mary Winspear Centre, the Royal Theatre, and the McPherson Playhouse), and support the development of a potential new regional theatre in the West Shore. The service has three core functions: 

  • Plan: grants for feasibility studies, business models, community consultation, and construction planning.
  • Develop: capital funding for maintenance and renovations or accessibility upgrades, and 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 bylaw’s adoption is an important milestone in an ongoing process. With the legal framework now in place, the Performing Arts Facilities Service will be incorporated into the planning process for Budget 2027. 2026 will be largely a transition year with the implementation of the new initiatives beginning in 2027.

Once fully operational, the new Performing Arts Facilities Service will:

  • Address stagnant funding levels for both the Royal Theatre and McPherson Playhouse since the late 1990s that have resulted in a 40% loss in purchasing power over time;
  • Address the lack of regional coordination in planning and funding for regional theatres;
  • Improve access and affordability for local arts groups through theatre rental subsidies;
  • Establish equitable cost-sharing across the region reflective of the widespread benefits of regional theatres;
  • Support youth and educational initiatives;
  • Strengthen arts infrastructure and programming across the region; and
  • Advance the development a regional theatre in the West Shore.

To be notified of updates regarding the new service, subscribe to the Arts & Culture e-newsletter. For more information, please contact the CRD Arts & Culture division:

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The CRD conducts its business within the Territories of many First Nations, all of whom have a long-standing relationship with the land and waters from time immemorial that continues to this day. Statement of Reconciliation