PENTICTON — A dream of transforming an iconic Penticton movie theatre into an arts facility is being threatened. The Penmar Community Arts Theatre Society needs to raise more money or else the Penmar will get knocked down.
The society was told that it needs to raise about $190,000 by the end of this month or else the project could go belly up before it is complete.
“The ownership group is in a position now where they need to do something with the building, because they have been very generous and haven’t earned any money in the last three years,” says Keri Milton, the society’s president.
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Milton says the group has raised more than $450,000 through corporate sponsorships but due to unforeseen increased costs during theatre renovations, it now needs to raise more money.
They are turning to the public for helping and have launched a crowdfunding campaign on Kickstarter.
City councillor Campbell Watt, who sits on penticton’s Arts, Creative & Cultural Innovations Committee, believes the 59-year-old Penmar is worth saving.
“It would be a huge loss,” says Watt. “It’s been through so many renos, so it hasn’t reached landmark status, but it is still a historical building. It would be a huge shame.”
The society has already completed the bulk of the renovations. All that’s left to finish are the restrooms and lobby.
“The two theatres have been complete: the floors have been refinished, the walls have been repainted and ceiling has been redone. The chairs have all purchased and ready to be installed. All the digital equipment, the screen and the sound, is all done and complete.”
The society is hoping the community will rally to help save the Penmar before the theatre’s doors remain shut forever.
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