|
|
Kincardine council
To Comment on this article Click Here |
|||
| In
order to help the Bluewater Theatre Playhouse resolve its rent arrears,
the Municipality of Kincardine is purchasing theatre tickets for its
volunteers, rather than holding a volunteer appreciation night. The proposal was made in committee-of-the-whole at the Kincardine council meeting last night (March 17). Jaye Boyer of the Bluewater Summer Playhouse brought forward the idea, suggesting the municipality could host "Kincardine Night at the Theatre" as a thank you to its volunteers or entertain visitors to the community. The evening could be made special with Bluewater volunteers providing dessert and coffee for each attendee or arranging a "meet the cast" after-party with hors d'oeuvres and refreshments. Boyer said if the municipality purchased a whole house of 110 seats at $24/seat, that would total $2,640 plus tax. Over three nights, that would equal almost $8,000 which is half of the $16,000 Bluewater owes the municipality in rent. If the theatre receives an equivalent amount from the tourism committee (CHAT), the rent arrears would be paid and Bluewater could start fresh, said Boyer. The theatre would also be eligible for an Enbridge grant to assist with costs. "It's a great proposal," said councillor Kenneth Craig. "It's an opportunity to partner with a community organization." Councillor Ron Hewitt agreed. "It may take some tweaking to make it work, but I fully support it." Boyer said the proposal not only helps Bluewater clear its rent arrears, it also encourages people to come to the theatre. "Many people are not familiar with us," she said. "We're hoping to create good experiences to help increase sales this year." Deputy mayor Laura Haight suggested using the tickets for the municipal volunteers, rather than holding a volunteer appreciation night.
|
"That's one of the tweaks we could make," said clerk Donna MacDougall. "I think it's important to clear the debt so the theatre is eligible for a grant from Enbridge," said mayor Larry Kraemer. He noted there are 350 volunteers. If the municipality gave them tickets to the theatre, to be used by the end of the summer, that would meet the needs of Bluewater Summer Playhouse and be completed during this council's term of office. "It would be great to get Bluewater back on its feet," he said. "Plus it would be a break for our municipal staff who wouldn't have to work so hard putting on a volunteer appreciation night." Staff and the theatre's board of directors will work out the details through the clerk's office. MacDougall said $6,000 has been budgeted for appreciation night, so three performances of live theatre would be appropriate. The proposal will also be discussed at budget talks Tuesday night (March 23). |
|||
|
|
||||
|
 for
world news,
books, sports, movies ...Wednesday, March 17, 2010 |
