Nicola Valley Community Theatre Society changing course

On Tuesday, Rich Hodson, Director on the Board of the Nicola Valley Community Theatre Society made a presentation to City Council regarding a change of course and potential partnership moving forward.

The Society currently owns land at the Railyard Mall and has been looking for financial support to build a movie theatre, however that project has stalled.

“Unfortunately, neither the provincial nor the federal governments were comfortable with the mix of a business enterprise (the movie theatre) with a not-for-profit enterprise (the performing arts venue). This greatly impacted how grant applications were viewed, and possibly also influenced our ability to attract corporate and private donors,” reads a press release.

“The Society has made the difficult decision to return to its original vision, which is to provide Merritt with a performing arts venue. All funds raised to date will be used for that purpose. We are currently exploring another option that may move the performing arts venue project forward in a more timely fashion,” continues the release.

The funds raised to date, totaling approximately $1.3 million would be transferred to the City of Merritt if the Council agrees to take on the project. The Society would also undertake the sale of their property at the Mall.

The new proposed project is to build a performing arts theatre attached or close to the Civic Centre to create a full convention centre in Merritt.

As per city procedure, the proposal will be brought back on the May 8, 2022 council agenda for a full debate and vote.