'Hope and optimism': 112-year-old Calgary theatre to keep operating
A historic Calgary theatre will be able to remain open as an agreement was finally reached between the operator and its landlord.
The Grand Theatre Society said Thursday that "an innovative partnership agreement" was struck with its landlord, Allied Properties REIT.
Officials say the deal came after months of effort to preserve the historic property.
"Allied's willingness to collaborate reflects their commitment to the performing arts community and a reinvigorated downtown," said Devon LeClair, board chair for the society, in a news release.
On Nov. 5, several community stakeholders met for a workshop to discuss ways the theatre could be used to support other arts organizations in Calgary.
Feedback from that meeting found there was "high interest" in using the Grand Theatre for "more diverse and inclusive purposes."
One of those groups was the Calgary International Film Festival, which said it looks forward to working with the theatre.
"We are so thrilled Allied is committed to ensuring a key part of Calgary's history and future remains intact," said Katherine Penhale, executive director, Calgary International Film Festival.
In February, the Grand Theatre Society announced it was in trouble after an early deal with its landlord fell through, opening the possibility of the facility's closure.
The Grand's executive director Erynn Lyster said the facility, which opened in 1912, offers artists a space on the stage to showcase their talent.
"Our recent community workshop and new agreement give us renewed hope and optimism, but our advocacy work is ongoing," she said.
"To fulfill this commitment, and sustain the space, we invite arts organizations to make The Grand their home."
Over its lifetime, the Grand Theatre has hosted the likes of Fred Astaire, Paul Robeson, Groucho Marx and George Burns.
The building that the Grand Theatre operates in – the Lougheed Building – is a historic site.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From essential goods to common stocking stuffers, Trudeau offering Canadians temporary tax relief
Canadians will soon receive a temporary tax break on several items, along with a one-time $250 rebate, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced Thursday.
'It didn't sound good': Mother shares what her sons went through with walking pneumonia
A mother shares with CTVNews.ca her family's health scare as medical experts say cases of the disease and other respiratory illnesses have surged, filling up emergency departments nationwide.
Putin says Russia attacked Ukraine with a new missile that he claims the West can't stop
Russian President Vladimir Putin announced Thursday that Moscow has tested a new intermediate-range missile in a strike on Ukraine, and he warned that it could use the weapon against countries that have allowed Kyiv to use their missiles to strike Russia.
Service Canada holding back 85K passports amid Canada Post mail strike
Approximately 85,000 new passports are being held back by Service Canada, which stopped mailing them out a week before the nationwide Canada Post strike.
Manitoba RCMP issue Canada-wide warrant for Ontario semi-driver charged in deadly crash
Manitoba RCMP have issued a Canada-wide arrest warrant for the semi-driver involved in a crash that killed an eight-year-old girl and her mother.
Taylor Swift's motorcade spotted along Toronto's Gardiner Expressway
Taylor Swift is officially back in Toronto for round two. The popstar princess's motorcade was seen driving along the Gardiner Expressway on Tuesday afternoon, making its way to the downtown core ahead of night four of ‘The Eras Tour’ at the Rogers Centre.
Here's a list of items that will be GST/HST-free over the holidays
Canadians won’t have to pay GST on a selection of items this holiday season, the prime minister vowed on Thursday.
Mother charged after infant dies in midtown Toronto: police
The mother of an infant who died after being found at an apartment building in midtown Toronto on Wednesday has been charged with failing to provide the necessaries of life.
Trudeau says Canada would 'abide' by ICC arrest warrant for Israel PM Netanyahu
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Canada will 'abide' by an International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.