An incomplete upgrade project at Penticton's Cleland Theatre could soon get back on track.
City council will be prompted to direct staff on Tuesday, Jan. 14, to submit an application to the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund Canada Cultural Spaces Fund (CCSF) requesting $317,700 for lighting upgrades at the performing arts venue.
The work, if funding is secured, would represent the third and final phase of the Cleland Theatre A/V Upgrade Project.
Phases No. 1 and 2 鈥� involving electrical and audio upgrades 鈥� were able to proceed in 2022 and 2023 with confirmed funding.
City officials say the third phase of the project was contingent on securing additional grant funding of $410,000. That, however, was unsuccessful.
Now back in the spotlight at Penticton City Hall, the project's final phase could be relaunched on Jan. 14, when council gathers for its regular bi-weekly meeting.
"The project will include the purchase and installation of specialized equipment to upgrade house and stage lighting equipment as well as final electrical upgrades for this work," a staff report reads.
Installation of the equipment would require the theatre to be shut down for five weeks, the city said.
"With the anticipated lead times for some equipment taking up to six months, staff will need to issue a project tender and place the equipment order by February, prior to notification of the grant results anticipated in August," the report continues.
Council has already allocated around 50 per cent of the project's cost in its 2025-2029 Financial Plan. Proposed grant funding from CCSF would cover the other half costs, according to the city.
If approved on Tuesday by council, the city would apply for the grant by the end of January.
The Cleland Theatre A/V Upgrade Project launched after a 2016 study showed the venue's sound and lighting equipment was "deficient, outdated and hindering the city鈥檚 ability to attract promoters and professional performances," according to a staff report.
Penticton's previous council 鈥� led by then-mayor John Vassilaki 鈥� later approved $410,000 within the 2022 General Capital Fund for the three-phase plan.
At that time, in March 2022, the city estimated the entire project's cost at $820,000.
