Lacombe Performing Arts Centre Foundation can count on $83,000 from Lacombe County so the show can go on.
County council voted unanimously Thursday to give the foundation $70,496 to help pay for its new art centre in a converted former church. Another $13,000 was provided to help cover operating costs.
Coun. Brenda Knight applauded the foundation for its willingness to “step outside the box” and scale down its earlier vision for an arts centre when it embraced the church venue.
“This could, in my mind fulfill the need for a regional facility,” said Knight. “This could be our regional arts and culture facility.
“I believe that enough people will use this. I believe county people are probably going to perform there.”
Coun. Dana Kreil also credited the arts centre foundation for finding a less expensive option than a new facility.
“I’m glad to see they’ve scaled it down and made it affordable and the church has worked with them.”
County director of corporate services Michael Minchin said the City of Lacombe has given the foundation just under $141,000 — or 25 per cent of the $563,750 cost of the arts centre project.
In the absence of firm numbers on how many county residents will benefit from the arts centre, county administration recommended halving the city’s donation.
The county will be looking for more usage statistics when they become available and ahead of future county funding decisions.
While the county is providing a share of operating costs this year, that does not imply ongoing annual commitments.
pcowley@reddeeradvocate.com
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