Credit: Ryan Flett
Renovations will debut next spring
More renovations are waiting in the wings at the Charles Bailey Theatre in Trail. Phase 2 of the project to upgrade the Kootenay’s largest performance theatre will take centre stage starting in 2017. Columbia Basin Trust is providing $200,000 to the $620,000 project.
“We are renovating our kitchen and building a permanent bar and lounge for guests to enjoy a beverage before a show and at intermission. We are building a marquee sign that is era appropriate with our new branding and will create a nice warm welcome as you enter the theatre. And we are purchasing our own sound and lighting equipment which is a step towards our sustainability and keeping the theatre affordable to renters,” says Nadine Tremblay, guest services manager at the theatre.
The Trail and District Arts Council (TDAC) operates the 719 seat theatre along with the Regional District of Kootenay Boundary (RDKB) and has been working hard to make the facility a thriving part of the arts and culture scene.
“All of this is about providing a better overall experience to our patrons. The Bailey Theatre has had overwhelming support from our patrons, and I’m so grateful that people are coming out to shows more now than they have in the last 10 years. They are excited at all the new and varied programming, and local businesses are enjoying the vibrancy that the theatre brings to downtown Trail,” Tremblay adds.
The Trust also provided $18,100 to TDAC last year to implement Phase 1 of their three year business and facilities development plan for the theatre.
“The theatre is a vital cultural asset for Trail and surrounding communities. These upgrades boost the theatre’s community impact and the increasing theatre activity helps ensure the Trail and District Arts Council’s sustainability,” says Kelvin Saldern, Manager, Community Relationships at the Trust.
“These theatre upgrades are a significant contribution to the City of Trail’s arts and cultural sector and downtown revitalization efforts. The Trust has also supported the Victoria Street Bridge lighting project and the Trail Riverfront Centre, and we are excited about how these community efforts are reshaping Trail’s downtown for everyone’s benefit,” Saldern says.
Supporting the arts and culture sector is a strategic priority for the Trust which has funded several other performance spaces across the region such as the Miners’ Hall in Rossland, the Capitol Theatre in Nelson and the Langham Theatre in Kaslo.
Supporting the arts and culture sector is a strategic priority for the Trust which has funded several other performance spaces across the region in recent years:
- Charles Bailey Theatre, Trail – $200,000 in 2016 for renovations and $18,100 in 2015 for implementing their three year business and facilities development plan
- Capitol Theatre, Nelson – $25,000 in 2016 for theatre improvements and $96,000 in 2013 for equipment upgrades
- Langham Theatre, Kaslo – $18,400 in 2016 for theatre and lobby improvements (through CKCA)
- Key City Theatre, Cranbrook – $75,000 in 2015 for facility upgrades
- Centre 64, Kimberley – $90,000 in 2015 to install fire suppression and ventilation systems
- Revelstoke Arts Council, Revelstoke – $48,000 in 2014 to support the development of a vibrant arts venue in Revelstoke
- The Miners’ Hall, Rossland – $413,000 over 2014 and 2015 for renovations and upgrades
