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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2015
Vol. 3 Edition 44
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College abandons Capitol Theatre By Jim Blake jim@chathamvoice.com
After suffering $3 million in provincial funding reductions, St. Clair College had no choice but to cut ties with the Capitol Theatre, a spokesman for the institution said Monday. Ron Seguin, Vice President, International Relations, Training & Campus Development, said “the world has changed” since the college began operating the theatre in 2012. “The theatre itself is exceptional, it’s a jewel and should be the pride of Chatham-Kent,” he said. “The staff, from Lesley Grand throughout is wonderful to work with.” After a strong first year of operation the college has sustained losses, most recently approaching the $300,000 mark last year, leading it to inform Chatham-Kent Council that the current agreement will not be renewed when it expires next March. The college has sustained losses approaching the $300,000 mark annually. “We are fully committed to Chatham-Kent but the theatre is a non-core business and if it comes down to operating it or serving students, we have to choose the students.” Seguin said the municipality’s decision earlier this year to pull $1.3 in funding because the college didn’t follow through with plans for use of the theatre annex or other downtown facility wasn’t part of the decision.
Bob Crawford, Chatham-Kent Community Development General Manager, confirmed that his department is examining options for the 1,210seat facility that has been operated by the college since March of 2012. “The one thing I can assure you is that the Capitol will continue to operate as
a theatre,” he said. “We are obligated to operate it as a theatre until 2027 as part of the senior government funding that was received for renovating the building.” Although Crawford wouldn’t confirm the amount, sources tell the Voice that the municipality could have to repay as
much as $7 million if it fails to live up to its obligation. Crawford said rumours that the municipality has projected a $600,000 annual deficit if it had to operate the facility itself are “inaccurate.” “I will tell you that we are reviewing revenue and expenses ourselves to get a
fully accurate picture of the financial picture,” he said. Crawford said he hasn’t ruled out discussions with the college to operate the facility under a different agreement. “St. Clair has done a good job operating the theatre and I believe is still interested but as any
provincially funded institution it has to be accountable for its finances,” he said. “There are no villains here.” Seguin concurred that the college is fully co-operating with the municipality and would entertain a revised agreement if it were financially feasible.
Continued on page 2
A stitch in time...
Mary Beth Corcoran/The Chatham Voice
Showcasing some of the work done over the past year for the Chatham Goodfellows, the Stitchin’ Sisters wrap Goodfellow Tim Haskell in their quilts. From left is Diane Haskell, Joanne Smith, Mary Deturck, Stella Gleason, Haskell in back, Marlene Ternoey (sitting), Jane Jenner and Marlene Warren. See story on page 4.
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