Victoria, BC– The Capital Regional District (CRD) has initiated an Alternative Approval Process (AAP) in order to obtain elector approval to establish a new Performing Arts Facilities Service (PAFS). The proposed new service aims to sustain and enhance arts throughout the region by scaling up regional support for performing arts facilities. In alignment with the CRD’s 2023-2026 Corporate Plan, this new service would help to ensure “residents have access to appropriate and affordable arts and recreation opportunities that enhance quality of life.”
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 would also help to develop additional regional theatres with a focus on developing a new performing arts facility on the West Shore.
If approved, the new Performing Arts Facilities Service is expected to:
- 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 rental subsidies
- Establish equitable cost-sharing across the region reflective of the widespread benefits of regional theatres
- Support youth and educational initiatives
- Strengthen infrastructure and programming across the region
- Encourage and support the development a regional theatre in the rapidly growing West Shore
The estimated cost of the new service is $2.3 million annually, absorbing the $1.35 million annual budget of the current services (Royal Theatre Service and McPherson Playhouse Service), and adding approximately $1 million in scaled up support through new and expanded functionality, including Planning Grants, Theatre Rental Grants and support for operating and maintenance of the Charlie White Theatre in the Mary Winspear Centre. The maximum amount that can be requisitioned annually for the PAFS is up to $3,000,000. The service is proposed to grow gradually and there are no plans to reach maximum requisition.
The proposed sub-regional service area applies to the Southern Gulf Islands Electoral Area and all municipalities of the Capital Regional District, including Central Saanich, Colwood, Esquimalt, Highlands, Langford, Metchosin, North Saanich, Oak Bay, Saanich, Sidney, Sooke, Victoria, and View Royal.
As per the Local Government Act, the CRD must receive the electors' approval before it can adopt a bylaw to establish a service levy or incur long-term debt. Through the Alternative Approval Process, electors can indicate whether they object to the creation of the new Performing Arts Facilities Service. The anticipated timing for the Performing Arts Facilities Service AAP is as follows:
- February 17, 2026 – AAP response period begins
- March 30, 2026 – AAP response period ends
- April 2026 – AAP results delivered and final adoption of bylaw (if applicable)
If Establishing Bylaw No.4704 is successfully adopted, the new Performing Arts Facilities Service will be established and incorporated into the 2027 Financial Plan.
The CRD Board may adopt Bylaw No.4704 unless at least 10% of electors in the service area (31,574 electors) indicate they oppose the creation of the service. In that case, the service could only be considered with the support of a referendum.
The deadline for submitting signed elector response forms, in relation to Bylaw No. 4704, to the CRD is 4:30 pm on Monday, March 30, 2026. Alternatives to mailing the form include dropping it off at 625 Fisgard Street, Victoria, BC, during regular business hours (Monday – Friday between 8:30 am – 4:30 pm) or scanning a legible, signed copy that can be emailed to LegServ@crd.bc.ca.
AAPs are an important step in the decision-making process. More information about the AAP including copies of the elector response form can be found on the website at www.crd.ca/theatres-aap.
The CRD delivers regional, sub-regional and local services to 13 municipalities and three electoral areas on southern Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands. Governed by a 24-member Board of Directors, the CRD works collaboratively with First Nations and government partners to enable sustainable growth, foster community well-being, and develop cost-effective infrastructure while continuing to provide core services to residents throughout the region. Visit us online at www.crd.ca.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Andy Orr, Senior Manager
CRD Corporate Communications & Engagement
Tel: 250.360.3229
Cell: 250.216.5492
