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Key partners for new Mount Baker School/theatre project
On February 21, City of Cranbrook Mayor Wayne Stetski and members of School District 5 (SD5) and Key City Theatre Society (KCTS) met with Kootenay-Columbia MP David Wilks, and Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) board chair Rob Gay, to discuss partnering on the combined Mount Baker Secondary School (MBSS) replacement and new regional theatre project.
Since 2008, the SD5 Board of Education has been working on replacement of MBSS as a Neighbourhood Learning Centre (NLC), an initiative designed to bring educational services and community resources together in a new high school building. Following extensive public consultations, SD5 determined that the Key City Theatre should be a main community component within a replacement MBSS/NLC.
On December 20, 2012 SD5, the KCTS and the City of Cranbrook reaffirmed their relationship with a signed partnership agreement in the design of theatre space in the new MBSS. Since then all three partners have been developing the project together, and more recently initiated an outreach effort to other levels of government.
“This is the largest high school – and only full-size theatre—in the East Kootenay,” said Mayor Stetski, adding that while the build would deliver a $50 million to $60 million injection into the local economy, providing jobs and increasing local purchasing in all our communities, the project would also improve the social and cultural sustainability of the entire East Kootenay.
“This project will offer a first class educational and cultural institution not only for area residents but could also attract those who may consider relocating or retiring to the East Kootenay,” he said.
According to SD5 Trustee Chris Johns, while the provincial government is already on board in setting aside space within a new school to accommodate community uses, they would not be able to fund the total expense of a new theatre.
“That’s where we need to bring together other community partners to help build the project,” explained Johns. “Having the federal government and regional district involved is the next logical step and is fundamental to the success of the project.”
Key City Theatre Society Chair Sandra Cave agreed and pointed out that the theatre should not be viewed just as a Cranbrook asset. “Over one-third of patrons are from somewhere else in the region which is why we wanted to meet with MP David Wilks and RDEK Chair (Electoral Area C director) Rob Gay.”
Johns, Cave and Stetski agree the meeting went extremely well, with all parties clearly understanding the value of this initiative.
“Rob Gay has invited us to present to the RDEK in April and to request support in securing federal grants with them, and while David Wilks can’t guarantee federal funding, he’s clearly stated his support for our partnership,” explained Johns. “David has already provided valuable information on new federal grants to which our partners may be eligible toward a new theatre build.”
Johns, Cave and Stetski are looking forward to a working relationship with the RDEK to secure grants and identify future granting opportunities.
To view the Phase I and Phase II Community Consultation Process reports, please visit our website at sd5.bc.ca.
SD5
