COLD LAKE - The Strathcona Performing Arts Centre project in Bonnyville is nearing completion, with Clayton Bellamy, founder of the Clayton Bellamy Foundation for the Arts, providing an update to City of Cold Lake council at the Feb. 25 regular meeting.
"I'm here on behalf of the Clayton Bellamy Foundation for the Arts to give you a good news update on your wonderful donation that was given to our foundation a year ago," Bellamy told council.
The City of Cold Lake committed $85,000 to the Clayton Bellamy Foundation for the Arts' Strathcona Performing Arts Centre project on May 24, 2022, with the stipulation that construction must begin within two years. The funds were released on Jan. 19, 2024, after the foundation met the agreed-upon conditions, according to the City of Cold Lake.
Bellamy stated that the foundation has raised over $2 million toward the theatre’s $2.7 million completion cost.
The excitement is building as the venue prepares to host its first performance this month.
"We're hoping to have our first show scheduled for March 21. We're asking if you could pencil in April 25 for a grand opening, and we're working away at that."
The last pieces of the theatre, with a seating capacity of 340, are coming together.
"Our floating dance floor is being put in currently and all our seats are in, and the lights are hung and it's really looking great right now."
Bellamy said that donor recognition is a priority, with plans to highlight supporters through signage.
"The focus is starting to shift to not only booking the theatre, but educating the public about that this is open and this is a collective for the region."
Bellamy thanked the council for its trust and support in helping move the project forward.
Mayor Craig Copeland was surprised at how quickly the project has progressed.
"What's supposed to be our last build meeting will be March 4. And then our inspections are happening within that time frame and then the keys should be handed over to us," Bellamy told council.
The remaining hurdles include finalizing signage approvals and securing additional sponsorships. "We're in the process of applying for your amazingly CACH grant, so we'll be doing that in the coming months to hopefully get some support for the gala to continue and offset some of our costs."
Bellamy noted the foundation has raised nearly $500,000 through past fundraisers and is seeking major sponsorships to reduce the remaining $600,000 deficit.
Copeland inquired about the venue's accessibility for local dance groups.
Bellamy confirmed that groups like the Kryla Ukrainian dancers and Fame dance group are already involved, and he is reaching out to others, including Cold Lake dance groups. He also invited council members to tour the facility before the grand opening.
