The group promoting the development of a performing arts centre in Prince George is bolstering its fan base for a return engagement before city council Monday.
Members of the Prince George Regional Performing Arts Centre Society are hoping to fill the gallery in council chambers with supporters Monday night when representatives appear before mayor and council.
"We're just suggesting to council that they declare the performing arts centre project as the next major capital project for the city and they take steps to get that project into their planning system," said society treasurer Les Waldie.
The last time council had any discussion on the project was in June 2012, following the completion of society-led background work and the unsuccessful application for P3 Canada funding.
At that time, council voted to put any decisions on where a performing arts centre stood in the city's work plan until after the results of the core services review were available.
"I've always been a supporter of this project, that's never wavered," said Mayor Shari Green during the June 2012 council meeting. "For me, if someone said what's next on the list, this is next. The question is, when is next? It's about money at this point in time."
Waldie stressed that Monday's appearance isn't about asking for money.
"We're just asking for council to take ownership of the thing and put it into their planning system," he said.
The society was formed after a 2006 study commissioned by Initiatives Prince George included a recommendation for public investment in a performing arts centre as a catalyst for downtown reinvestment.
According to the report the society turned in to the city in the spring of 2012, the capital cost of constructing such a facility was more than $26 million, plus more than $15 million in additional costs.
As conceptualized, the centre would include an 800-seat theatre, a 250-seat small theatre, a multi-use rehearsal room and administrative offices.
The report also cited an additional report that concluded the city should be the one to own the facility.
"We believe that it is important that council take the view that the Performing Arts Centre project is not a 'nice to have' but rather is the next project that must be pursued to position this city with a full range of services and facilities that enhance its reputation as a desirable place to live and work," said the society's report.
