BONNYVILLE – After another successful Gala and Golf fundraiser event, The Clayton Bellamy Foundation (CBF) is that much closer to finishing the Strathcona Performing Arts Centre currently under construction.
Having raised $205,000 at the Gala and Golf event, which was $10,000 over expectation, the organization is working hard to finish the facility before building costs increase even more than they already have. A projected finishing date has been set for November.
During the Sept. 19 Town of Bonnyville special council meeting, president of the foundation, Clayton Bellamy, along with Lise Fielding, vice-president, and board member Louise Bellamy, presented a $50,000 grant application.
“One of the main reasons that we need to have this facility finished first - and we're not just pressing pause until we have the money - is because building costs are going up astronomically all the time as we found out when we initially had a $1.8 million project on the table and then it turned into $3.2 million and then we had to scale back to the $2.5 million,” said Clayton.
“I think you're on the right track,” said Coun. Phil Kushnir. “You don't want to pause it because it'll be like the old R.J. Lalonde - sit there for how many years before you get the money to go do it. So, I think that is the right way to go about it 100 per cent.”
Clayton explained that the $50,000 grant would go toward installation costs associated with the audiovisual system. The $250,000 system cost the CMF $68,000 after donations from the Enoch First Nations and River Cree Cascino covered the rest of the costs.
Fielding commented that although fundraising efforts are substantial, the money is being sunk into building costs. “It looks like we are making money, but we are not.”
Fielding assured council that their efforts to complete the project will result in a broadening of funding resources.
“Many, many more grants are available to us when we're open and operational. Right now, our hands are tied in a lot of ways for grant opportunities, but we have exercised every grant that we know of so far,” said Fielding.
“Startup costs for this facility to get up and running are going to be quite substantial,” started Clayton, “Hence the first year $40,000 operational budget to help us with some of the major [costs].”
Clayton mentioned the need for a website to be built, along with online and in-person ticketing systems. A theatre manager must also be hired.
“We’re actively going on the Field of Dreams motto: ‘If you build it, they will come.’ We’re currently already booking dates for 2025,” said Clayton.
“We're all volunteers here. None of us are on the payroll, but we want to see this thing succeed. We want to make sure that this is not an albatross, that this is a gem in the heart of the Lakeland,” he added.
The CBF has also recently handed out a $2,500 bursary to a Bonnyville student pursuing an education to become a drama teacher, which is another focus of the foundation.
