The City of Burnaby has offered the Michael J Fox Theatre a new one-time grant of $400,000 to keep the theatre open to the public for another year while the Burnaby School District seeks a new theatre operator.

The funding begins in July, right when the theatre was set to close to the public. The funds will allow the theatre to continue to operate.

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“City Council is pleased to provide this one-time grant as a sustainable way to give the Burnaby School District the required time to find an appropriate non-profit provider to operate the Michael J Fox Theatre for the benefit of the community,” said Mayor Mike Hurley. “We look forward to a new operating model for the theatre and a successful future.”

The Burnaby Board of Education had previously decided to close the doors of the theatre to public events despite an offer of a one-time grant from the City of Burnaby. The previous grant was for $150,000 a year for two years.

“To our community who rallied so strongly around the Michael J Fox Theatre, we heard you and we thank you,” said Kristin Schnider, Burnaby Board of Education Chair. “We’re deeply appreciative of the Mayor and City Council for their generous efforts to collaborate with the Board of Education. Together, we found a path forward that keeps the theatre open to the public. The performing arts play a vital role in bringing people together and strengthening community. This increased one-time grant will help preserve this important role while ensuring the Burnaby School District’s funds and focus remain on education, allowing the theatre’s proud legacy to continue.”   

In May, after rejecting the initial offer, the School District announced that the last day for community access to the theatre would be on June 30.

“This is a win for Burnaby’s cultural community, for Burnaby South Secondary’s school community and for all residents who enjoy the performances and celebrations that the Michael J Fox Theatre has hosted over the years,” said Councillor Daniel Tetrault, Chair of the Parks, Recreation and Culture Committee. “Our hope is that this agreement will set the stage for a strong future for this important cultural venue.” 

Should the process be successful in finding a suitable operator, a licensing agreement with the non-profit would provide a long-term solution to keep the theatre available for community access.

Located on Burnaby South Secondary’s property, the Michael J Fox Theatre was operated by an independent, non-profit society when it opened in 1993.