MERRITT HERALD EST. 1905
THURSDAY, May 30, 2024 • www.X.com/merrittherald • www.merrittherald.com
FREE
Theatre expasion talk proposal at city hall Kenneth Wong
reporter@merrittherald.com
City council discusses the possibility of converting the civic centre into a theatre. During the May 21 Committee of the Whole meeting, Nicola Valley Theatre Society delegate proposes theatre expansion for the civic centre. Presented by former city councillor and Nicola Valley Theatre Society representative Kurt Christopherson, the proposed expansion would attach to the auditorium east wall into the present parking lot, providing 250 to 300 seats. The upgrade would also consist of additional moveable walls. “It also adds another dimension as to how the civic centre can be used, it would actually give you three divided portions in the existing auditorium,” said Christopherson. Christopherson explains that the upgrade to the auditorium would allow for more capacity whilst saving money opposed to building a separate theatre. “The existing operational demands would not
A go-karts contest was held over the weekend at rodeo grounds. Page 13. Photo/ Kenneth Wong
RCMP PLAQUES
Merritt RCMP honours two officers who were murdered in 1934 with plaques.
/PAGE 8
TOWN HALL
Conservative Party of B.C. hosts town hall with MLA candidate and party leader.
/PAGE 11
be greatly impacted, staff already does the janitorial, the office, the bookings, all of that,” said Christopherson. “It’s not like a completely new separate building somewhere else in town that has to hire from scratch.” Christopherson believes that a “proper theatre setting” encourages bringing in movies, arts, entertainment, events, and the development of local talent. “Development of local talent, that’s probably my interest most, Merritt has always had a strong tradition of encouraging its youth to participate in the cultural events.” The cost of the upgrades would be approximately up to $3 million. According to Christopherson, the Theatre Society already has potential sponsors willing to fund the construction, the City just needs to present plans to the public. “If you’ve got a plan that you can present to the public, then you go after corporate sponsors, we certainly had See PROJECT Page 3 talks
Summer is just around the corner… Are ALL your toys insured? HUB Has you covered!
BOAT
RV
ATV
MOTORCYCLES
Hours: Mon to Fri 8:30-5 & Sat 9:30-4 250-378-5147 122/1700 Garcia St – Railyard Mall
DIRT BIKES & MORE!