Council OKS release of $22.5M for Arts Commons expansion project
City council voted Monday night to fund detailed design work on the $240-million Arts Commons expansion project.
On the heels of the federal government pledging to contribute $80 million to Arts Commons, city council has elected to release $22.5 million so that detailed design work can begin on the first phase of the project, which includes a new 1,200-seat theatre facility, two smaller theatres and rehearsal space.
The Arts Commons transformation project was one of four major capital projects approved conditionally by city council last March, including the BMO Centre expansion, the new arena and field house.
“This project actually has had far, far more work done for many years than any of the other three projects, in fact, all of them combined,” Mayor Naheed Nenshi said Monday night following council’s vote. “Frankly, they’ve been at it for so long it’s ready to go. It’s time to move forward.”
The cash will come from a pool of capital funds previously set aside for the project. Approximately $2.5 million has already been spent on planning.
An expansion of Arts Commons has been in the works for nearly a decade. Proponents say a critical shortage of performance space has meant that the downtown facility, home to the Jack Singer Concert Hall and Max Bell Theatre, has been forced to turn down about 600 events annually.
The project is also viewed as a key pillar in the city’s plans to revitalize the downtown and in developing a cultural and entertainment district.
The federal pledge of support is contingent upon the province and city council agreeing to contribute the remaining $135 million for the expansion — funds that could potentially come from a previously approved extension of the community revitalization levy.
While several council members questioned the project’s finances behind closed doors Monday evening, elected officials emerged from the closed meeting largely united in their support.
Councillors Sean Chu and Jeromy Farkas voted against proceeding with the project.
Chu said he believes there are more important priorities for the city’s capital dollars.
“If the economy gets better and the city’s flooded with money, I’ve got no problem with it,” said Chu. “But right now, it’s not the right time to do it.”