The Government of Canada is providing $188,000 to Western Canada Theatre to modernize the Sagebrush and Pavilion theatres in Kamloops

“Cultural institutions, big and small, are the heart and soul of our communities. They provide a space to meet, exchange ideas, create and be inspired. Our government is delighted to support these important cultural hubs in Kamloops by investing in renovations to the Sagebrush and Pavilion theatres.”

—The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage

“Western Canada Theatre plays an invaluable leadership role in the Thompson Valley. Thanks to this funding, it can continue to offer high-quality artistic presentations in modernized venues that will benefit local and touring productions, as well as audiences in the Kamloops region.”

—The Honourable Marc Garneau, Minister of Transport

“With thanks to the Government of Canada’s investment, Western Canada Theatre looks forward to providing our community with the best possible patron experience: from the moment they enter our doors, through to the world-class professional performances they see on our stages. The renovations will transform the spaces into modern, safe theatrical facilities that will be appreciated by our community for years to come.”

—Evan Klassen, Managing Director, Western Canada Theatre

• Western Canada Theatre manages and operates the Sagebrush Theatre and the Pavilion Theatre, the only two fully-equipped professional theatres in Kamloops. Western Canada Theatre produces a professional main stage and second stage series, and also hosts several alternative productions throughout its season.

• The Sagebrush Theatre is jointly owned by the City of Kamloops and the Kamloops-Thompson School District, and is also home to the Kamloops Symphony Orchestra. The Pavilion Theatre houses the administration offices of the Western Canada Theatre and also serves as its rehearsal hall.

• In Budget 2017, the Government of Canada dedicated $300 million to the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund over a 10-year period, starting in 2018, to support creative hubs and other cultural spaces. This additional investment is part of the social infrastructure component of the Investing in Canada Plan.

• The Canada Cultural Spaces Fund supports the improvement of physical conditions for artistic creativity and innovation, as well as the improvement, renovation and construction of arts and heritage facilities, and the acquisition of specialized equipment.

Associated links

• Canada Cultural Spaces Fund
• Investing in Canada Plan
• Sagebrush Theatre
• Western Canada Theatre

For more information (media only), please contact:

Simon Ross
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage
819-997-7788

Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155
pch.media-media.pch@canada.ca