The Prince George Folkfest Society says the City of Prince George needs a new performing arts centre.
The society gave a presentation on the recent Coldsnap Festival to Prince George City Council at Monday’s meeting.
“When you look at the venues we’re selling tickets for, we’re capped out,” said Prince George Folkfest Society Assistant Executive Director Katherine Benny.
Several venues were used throughout the 10-day festival, including the Prince George Playhouse.
“The Prince George Playhouse was not a safe place to put on a show,” said Prince George Folkfest Society Marketing Manager and Treasurer Aidyl Jago.
“When we did the fall show with William Prince, there was wind blowing into the backstage because it was a very windy night and you could hear it from inside, there was snow blowing into the theatre. At soundcheck with one of our artists during Coldsnap, there was a baffle, a wall, that almost fell on one of our artists.”
The City has issued the following statement in response to Jago’s claim.
The City wishes to clarify the Playhouse is deemed to be safe to use. No structural walls at the Prince George Playhouse collapsed during a Coldsnap festival. Proscenium “walls” (actually panels measuring three feet wide by 20 feet high) were installed several years ago to address stage sightline issues. One of these panels came loose and has since been securely reattached. The City has not been informed of any specific snow issues but notes there was heavy snowfall and strong winds during the event and when the stage door or load-in door opens, gusts of freezing wind may enter the building.
 The City is aware the playhouse has some issues with the exterior building envelope. Considerable repairs were completed in 2021 and staff are continuing to monitor the building and will take further action as needed.
In December of 2020, a windstorm caused damage to the exterior of the Playhouse, revealing extensive rot in the building.
In July of 2021, the City of Prince George put $411,000 into temporary repairs for the Playhouse.
The Ramada Ballroom, Prince George Legion, and the Civic Centre were also used during Coldsnap.
“We have the capacity to bring in big name artists, and we want to show them we can put on a really great concert, with great sound, and a great audience experience,” Jago explained.
“That doesn’t always happen in the venues we have right now.”
Last week, the new Knox Performance Centre hosted its first performance.
The new venue, located in the old Trinity United Church on Fifth Avenue, seats about 300 people.
Trinity United Church’s Lead Minister Reverend Bob Fillier said there’s a need for an 800 to 1,000 seat venue in Prince George.
“It’s not an ‘either-or,’ it’s really a ‘both-and’, he said.
“We need spaces like the Knox Performance Centre and something like a larger professional theatre.”
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