CRD to Consider a New Performing Arts Facilities Service to Scale-up Funding for Regional Theatres

Exterior of the McPherson Theatre at the corner of Pandora Street and Government Street

The CRD Board has approved a recommendation from the Performing Arts Facilities Select Committee (PAFSC), directing staff to draft a plan for a new service that will scale up support for regional performing arts facilities. This is in alignment with the Board’s goal to “sustain and enhance arts throughout the region,” part of the CRD 2023-2026 Corporate Plan [PDF/10.6MB].

In November 2024, the CRD Board endorsed hiring a consultant to evaluate potential new funding models for regional performing arts facilities. In May of 2025, the consultant, Nordicity, delivered the final report, Analysis of Service Options to Support Performing Arts Facilities [PDF/1.1MB]. The report provided a full cost-benefit analysis of five potential options that would support performing arts facilities with regional impact in a way that provides value to all participating jurisdictions. 

On July 9, the CRD Board followed the recommendation of the PAFSC, and directed staff to prepare a draft establishing bylaw and service plan for a new service based on the primary recommendation of the consultant, Option C, and provide these back to the PAFSC for review. The Board also opted to include the addition of the Southern Gulf Islands Electoral Area as a participant in the potential new service.

The recommended option will support three regional theatres: the Royal theatre, the McPherson Theatre, and the Charlie White Theatre. It also provides planning grants, theatre rental grants, and the flexibility to support a future regional theatre in the West Shore. This option includes funding for operating and minor capital expenditures but does not include a major capital reserve for construction of future new facilities. Overall, the proposed new funding model will provide greater support to the regional theatres, making them more affordable and more sustainable in a cost-efficient way.

CRD Staff will now use the recommended model to develop a draft service plan and establishing bylaw and expect to present it to the PAFSC for review in the fall of 2025. If, after reviewing the draft bylaw, the CRD Board wants to move forward, staff will seek elector approval through a service area-wide Alternative Approval Process (AAP).

For more information, contact the CRD Arts & Culture division:

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