Technical Improvements to the Jane Mallett Theatre

(Downtown - Ward 24)

The Economic Development Committee recommends that approval be expedited for technical improvements to the Jane Mallett Theatre by providing six motorised system pipes to enable the use of on-stage lighting and scenery hanging.

The Economic Development Committee submits the following report (November 17, 1998) from the Chair, The Board of Management of the St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts:

Purpose:

The Board wishes to undertake technical improvements to the Jane Mallett Theatre by providing six motorized system pipes to enable the use of on-stage lighting and scenery hanging. These improvements will provide additional requested support to existing users of the facility and will assist in attracting new use and new users to the Centre.

Clause 7 of By-law 367-73, which established the Board of Management, states that:

"The Board shall not make or cause, commit or allow to be made to the Centre, any structural addition, alteration or improvement without the consent of the City."

Whilst these technical improvements are not essentially "structural" in nature, they will involve removing a section of a suspended plaster ceiling and relocating a section of duct work and some sprinkler heads. The Centre will ensure that the necessary building permits are obtained from the City in order to carry out this work. Full details of the project have been submitted to the City Property Department earlier this year, and they have raised no objections to the proposed scope of work.

The Board would like to apply for the required building permits by the end of December or early January in order to proceed with the work in the summer of 1999. The Board would appreciate the Economic Development Committee expediting Council approval for this project if in fact it deems that Council approval is necessary.

Funding Sources, Financial Implications and Impact Statement:

The Board of Management has approved full funding for this project from its own Capital Improvement Fund.

There is no financial requirement for the City to provide any funding for this project.

The financial impact would be positive on the Centre's operating budget as the proposed improvements should generate new revenues to the Centre in the form of new rental income.

Contact Name and Telephone Number:

David Wallett

General Manager

(416) 366-1656, Ext. 224