After thousands of artists, performers, technicians and theatregoers made a case to keep the Michael J. Fox Theatre open for the public, Burnaby city council has approved funds so it can operate for the next two years.
City council approved a one-time grant of up to $300,000 to cover operational budget shortfalls in 2026 and 2027. The decision came after more than a year of assessing the theatre's financial situation.
Public Outcry and Community Support
Public attention on the theatre escalated since mid-April, when it was abruptly announced that starting July 1, the venue would no longer accommodate the many community dance performances and productions that have regularly booked the space for over three decades. A campaign to save the theatre drew online support, including over 5,000 signatures from residents, performers, leaders of arts groups and others.
Financial Assessment and Capital Needs
The city's review found that the theatre requires more than $700,000 in capital upgrades, beyond ongoing operating costs. "We're putting it out there that we're willing to be part of the solution," said Burnaby Mayor Mike Hurley. The funds will buy time for the Burnaby school district, which owns the theatre connected to Burnaby South Secondary, to come up with a longer-term plan.
Hurley added that this could include reinvigorating some version of The Michael J. Fox Society, which ran the theatre for many years, so it can apply for arts grants and fundraise. The district said in April that it was not "financially viable … to maintain usage of the theatre beyond school and district-related purposes."
History and Future Prospects
The society operated the theatre on behalf of the school district since its opening in 1993. But in 2024, when several long-time members stepped back and the society discontinued, the school district turned to the city, which started to explore possibilities. In mid-April, about a dozen theatre technician staff at the theatre, who mainly support larger community productions, received an 11-week layoff notice. In March, they had voted to join the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) union.
Will Gladman, international representative of IATSE, said the union joined the campaign to save the theatre. Leading up to Tuesday's announcement, Gladman noted positive conversations around reviving an independent, non-profit society that could apply for grants and fundraise. "We understand that the school district is unable to do this. It's not in its educational mandate," said Gladman. "But for the last two or three years of the society, it hadn't been applying for grants that exist. We think there is a lot of potential to tap money that is on the table."
Hurley emphasized that the city taking a larger role in operating the theatre would impose significant costs and long-term liabilities on taxpayers without proper ownership or control.
