Saint John’s growth committee has recommended the city contribute funds for the Saint John Theatre Company’s Sydney Street Courthouse project.
The series of recommendations, if approved by council, could see the city contribute just over $800,000 in total.
That includes $418,000 from its reserve funds, and a maximum of $100,000 annually for four years from its operating budget.
Committee members also recommended that council direct the city manager to draft a funding agreement outlining the terms of the funding relationship for the project.
The recommendations will go to Common Council for consideration at a later date.
During a council meeting in May, the Saint John Theatre Company requested a $1-million pledge to help transform the former Saint John County Courthouse into a performance venue.
The request was based on the needs of the theatre company and the project.
“The financial contribution from the City of Saint John is expected to kick off SJTC’s public fundraising campaign to raise the last remaining shortfall for the project,” reads a city staff report.
The courthouse project is expected to offer new community value, offerings, and contributions.
This includes hosting over 1,000 performances and special events in the new facility in the first five years, hosting between 200 and 300 master classes with visiting and local artists per year, and hosting more than 100,000 visitors from across Atlantic Canada and beyond per year.
