Kincardine council

To Comment on this article Click Here

Kincardine council has okayed a reduced rent rate for the Bluewater Summer Playhouse at the Kincardine Arts Centre.

In committee-of-the-whole May 18, recreation director Karen Kieffer explained that Bluewater was paying $5,000 per year in 2008 for office space and summer use of auditorium at the arts centre.

That was increased in 2009 to $5,075, and in 2010 to $5,151.13.

However, the theatre group lost its office when it was demolished in August last year, during the restoration of the arts centre, said Kieffer. Therefore, she recommended giving Bluewater a credit of $1,047.75 for August to December at $209.55/month.

Also, because the group is using less space, Kieffer recommended its rate be reduced to $2,676.12 plus HST for 2011.

She noted that the agreements with the tenant groups at the arts centre, expire Dec. 31, 2012, and will be reviewed at that time to evaluate the full revenue/expense nature of operating the facility.

Kieffer added that, as of May 9, 2011, the total owed by the Bluewater Summer Playhouse (including back rent) is $12,048.09. Actually, as of the May 18 council meeting, including the credit, that amount is at $9,788.09.

That is down significantly from the $24,959.12 which was owing as of Oct. 19, 2010.

"We can see that they have made great strides at paying off their debt," said Kieffer, "and we anticipate that with a successful 2011 season, that amount will decrease even more with the plan to have it down to zero within approximately two to three years."

Councillor Ron Coristine said the $2,676.12 (plus HST) rent per year is reasonable.

Councillor Kenneth Craig noted there will be a budget amendment required for the change in revenue for the arts centre.

Council agreed with the credit to the Bluewater account, and the reduced rent. Final approval comes to council June 1.

Survey Participate in our latest Kincardine Times survey

Survey Participate in our latest Saugeen Times survey

Survey Participate in our latest Walkerton News survey

^{for world news, books, sports, movies ...}

Wednesday, May 25, 2011