Discussions

from: Manitoba Net  
 
Strand Theatre restoration.  
Landmark Cinemas of Canada has donated the old Strand Theatre to The Brandon Folk Music and Art Society.  
It plans to restore the building into a self-sufficient, multi-use, community Performance and Art Centre.  
Landmark Cinema C.O.O. Neil Campbell, believes this will help bring downtown back to life.  
The project is in the very early stages of planning. The total cost is estimated at $2.7 million dollars.  
 
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this is a nice old bldg. I hope it does bring something to downtown.  

some good news for downtown and I think the fit with the BFMA Society is a great idea.  
 
Looking forward to this project rolling forward....

Kuyamike said "some good news for downtown and I think the fit with the BFMA Society is a great idea.     Looking forward to this project rolling forward...."

I think this will be awsome and so happy that it will see some use and bring some life to downtown again!

This is exactly the kind of thing we need to happen. Recently I was playing at a CD release party at the Park Theatre on Osborne in Winnipeg and I thought of the Strand and what a great venue it could be again for something like that.

This is really great news! Thanks Brenda.

In the right-hand column I've added a preliminary artist's rendering of what the outside of the building is going to look like as well as interior plans. Especially for the plans, you'll probably want to click on the image and then "Click to view full size" to get the full idea.  
 
Here's the press release with a few more details:  
 
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The Strand Project set to be a catalyst for Downtown Brandon renewal  
 
The Strand Theatre, a Downtown landmark since 1917, will resume its historic role as an entertainment destination if a group of local, provincial and national businesses and organizations have their way.  
 
Calgary-based Landmark Cinemas of Canada and the Brandon Folk, Music and Art Society Inc., were today joined by Joe Bova of ManShield Construction and Dudley Thompson of Prairie Architects of Winnipeg, to unveil dramatic plans for the redevelopment of the historic theatre into a comprehensive Multi-purpose Community Performance and Arts Centre for Downtown Brandon.  
 
“Landmark Cinema has had a longstanding business presence in Brandon” said Virden-born Landmark Cinemas COO Neil Campbell, “and being part of this exciting project makes us proud as a corporate citizen working together with the community to be a positive force for the revitalization of Downtown.”  
 
“The Strand has been central to the cultural life of Brandon for generations and the opportunity to further enhance the theatre’s history as an entertainment destination location Downtown is one which we are both proud to be associated with and one which can only positively benefit Brandon into the future.”  
 
Joe Bova, principal of ManShield Construction, which has provided engineering services for the development of The Strand Project business plan, was effusive in his support for the development. Mr. Bova was the principal architect of Winnipeg’s Corydon Avenue café strip.  
 
“Theatre’s of this nature are central to the cultural life of a community. They are a repository of dreams, a repository of ambitions and of human life itself. Families bond and grow stronger in theatres, artists are nurtured, and communities become better places in which to live. ManShield is proud to be associated with this very exciting project and Brandon will be a better city for its realization.”  
 
Dudley Thompson, principal partner of award-winning Prairie Architects, which has provided architectural services for the project’s business plan, spoke of the tremendous opportunities for Downtown renewal and of setting a high environmental standard for the project.  
 
“Prairie Architects is recognized throughout Canada for the construction of Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standard green buildings and our ambition for The Strand Project is to attain LEED silver status at minimum. We have a record in Brandon, recently designing the Renaissance Station on Ninth Street, and are also architects for the revitalized West End Cultural Centre in Winnipeg. This project is tremendously exciting, not only for Brandon but for the Province of Manitoba as a whole, and it will be a significant catalyst for other economic and cultural activity in Downtown Brandon.”  
 
Speaking on behalf of the Brandon Folk, Music and Art Society Inc., Chair Shandra MacNeill expressed thanks for the strong commitment of Landmark Cinema, ManShield Construction and Prairie Architects in working to develop The Strand Project.  
 
“The Strand Project would not be possible without the significant contribution of our business partners and the outstanding corporate citizenship they have demonstrated. Landmark Cinema of Canada has been particularly supportive since day one. Together with ManShield Construction and Prairie Architects, we are now prepared to fully engage the community and seek the partners necessary to bring The Strand Project to fruition. This is an exciting project for Downtown, for Brandon and for Western Manitoba. We look forward to fully engaging the community during the months to come.”  
 
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Thanks for all the enthusiasm!  
 
The Strand has not yet been donated to the Brandon Folk, Music & Art Society Inc. though. Landmark Cinemas of Canada are willing to donate it to us if the project is able to be completed. This depends on securing the community support, funding and partners for the project. We will be holding public meetings over the next three months to see whether this is all possible and I hope we can see you at some of those events! Thanks again for the posts on this!  
Shandra MacNeill  
Chair, Brandon Folk, Music & Art Society Inc.

That's amazing news!  
 
It's great to see things like this happen here in town  
 
I hope to see indie artists who would usually skip Brandon now come to Brandon.  

that the theatre will come in and the folk festival that has taken place for over 20 years at the Keystone grounds will be out.  
 
How does that spark it up for conversation...  
 
This project has many flustered individuals hopping ship and in relation to this has caused plans to be up in the air for the future of our Folk Festival in Brandon.  
 
No word of a lie...this is what is happening

Roger said "that the theatre will come in and the folk festival that has taken place for over 20 years at the Keystone grounds will be out.     How does that spark it up for conversation...     This project has many flustered individuals hopping ship and in relation to this has caused plans to be up in the air for the future of our Folk Festival in Brandon.     No word of a lie...this is what is happening"

sure I understand what your getting at. Could you elaborate?

Roger said "that the theatre will come in and the folk festival that has taken place for over 20 years at the Keystone grounds will be out.     How does that spark it up for conversation...     This project has many flustered individuals hopping ship and in relation to this has caused plans to be up in the air for the future of our Folk Festival in Brandon.     No word of a lie...this is what is happening"

If anyone's actually surprised by the possibility of the Folk Festival leaving the Keystone Centre, they need to get out from under their rock. Let's see - the city wants to lease all that land that's traditionally used for parking for the many fairs, exhibitions and Wheat King games... where else could people park once that land's turned into yet another concrete jungle? Oh, that's right - the land along 13th street. All they'd need to do is clear out the trees and, voila!  
 
But back on topic, it's great that someone's got their head on their shoulders. I think it's a great move to get people back downtown and turn it into a kind of cultural centre for the city.

Roger said "that the theatre will come in and the folk festival that has taken place for over 20 years at the Keystone grounds will be out.     How does that spark it up for conversation...     This project has many flustered individuals hopping ship and in relation to this has caused plans to be up in the air for the future of our Folk Festival in Brandon.     No word of a lie...this is what is happening"

from Shandra MacNeill, Chair, Brandon Folk, Music & Art Society Inc. would be great.  
 
What a way to spark things up Roger! How sure are you? The open air concept for Folk Festival is traditional and totally wonderful...this experience could not be re-created indoors.  
 
Perhaps an indoor venue will bring other revenues to the FMAS throughout the year. Like the Winnipeg Folk Festival Music Shop in the Exchange.

I hope to see this venue turn into Brandon's version of the WECC, something like the WECC is something Brandon needs! http://www.wecc.ca/  
 
Will the venue be done in time for the Western Canadian Music Awards? There will be dozens of live events going on in the city around that time!

that people are getting off the folk festival train as fast as possible.  
 
Folk festival executive director, Paul Madryga, resigned a few weeks ago, and site director / co-chair of the Board, Dave Barnes, also walked away last week. Word is that others are going to follow soon.  
 
Lets hope that the festival music director, Matt Duboff doesn't leave like the others. If he's still around, at least there's a chance that the festival may take place. But from what I've heard most of the new people on the board aren't interested in the festival itself. They're only there to make this building happen.  
 
So ya, if we're saying hello to the strand theatre, we should expect to say goodbye to the festival.  
 

CL said "I hope to see this venue turn into Brandon's version of the WECC, something like the WECC is something Brandon needs! http://www.wecc.ca/     Will the venue be done in time for the Western Canadian Music Awards? There will be dozens of live events going on in the city around that time!"

...that was my way of thinking also..until the controversy was sparked.  
 
The WECC is a fine example of the possibilites.  
Maybe the folk festival people would embrace this idea and continue to provide the Festival.  
 
 
 
 
 
 

tyson.smith said "that people are getting off the folk festival train as fast as possible.     Folk festival executive director, Paul Madryga, resigned a few weeks ago, and site director / co-chair of the Board, Dave Barnes, also walked away last week. Word is that others are going to follow soon.     Lets hope that the festival music director, Matt Duboff doesn't leave like the others. If he's still around, at least there's a chance that the festival may take place. But from what I've heard most of the new people on the board aren't interested in the festival itself. They're only there to make this building happen.     So ya, if we're saying hello to the strand theatre, we should expect to say goodbye to the festival.     "

The actual festival itself doesn't need to move indoors. Has the society stated that for a fact?And would it really remain at the Keystone anyway since there has been talk of an outdoor venue planned for the Discovery centre. I never thought the keyastone was the right location for it anyway, kinda dumpy in that corner.

 
The folk festival has no intention of moving to a new site any time soon. The keystone site provides us with the ideal setting of open-air, amphitheatre style main stage seating, afternoon shade provided by the trees, and camping space. Other places around the city have been looked at, but currently, the keystone still provides a superior festival setting for our needs.

When I was sitting under the trees this summer I enjoyed my self tremendously... it's a lovley spot.

Sandy said "    CL said "I hope to see this venue turn into Brandon's version of the WECC, something like the WECC is something Brandon needs! http://www.wecc.ca/     Will the venue be done in time for the Western Canadian Music Awards? There will be dozens of live events going on in the city around that time!" ...that was my way of thinking also..until the controversy was sparked.     The WECC is a fine example of the possibilites.   Maybe the folk festival people would embrace this idea and continue to provide the Festival.               "

I believe Brandon has the potential to get some of the same artists Winnipeg always gets. Here's a list of some of the bands that have played in the past at the WECC, lots of them have played at past Brandon Folk Fests too it appears:  
http://www.wecc.ca/site/pastperfs.html  
 
Elliot Brood, The Weakerthans (god.. if only the would come to Brandon.. I've hinted it to two members of the Weakerthans before too!), Kathleen Edwards, Great Lake Swimmers, The Paperbacks, Cuff the Duke, Corb Lund (he's playing at the centennial auditorium in a week i think), DJ Champion, Malajube, Amy Milan.. and much much more.. geebus.. I wouldn't have to pay so much money just to go to Winnipeg to see one of these kind of concerts.. it gets old fast.. it's great to go to Winnipeg, but when you do it once every month it seems and are a university student.. it's not good for the wallet

re-reading the press release I see that committment has been made for the redevelopment of the historic theatre into a comprehensive "Multi-purpose Community Performance and Arts Centre for Downtown Brandon". That's an impressive scope. I'm excited to hear the details.  

maybe I'm having a blonde moment here but I still don't get what the problems are???  
According to tyson. smith it seems that people are leaving because the society seems only interested in getting the building right now and not the festival. So I don't know what would stop those that still want to see the festival survive from making that happen. Even if it means a new not for profit organization that works in harmony with the current society. Or are they just walking away and saying it's "insert name here fault. Common, where there's a will, there will always be a way! Is there something I'm missing?  

This year's Brandon Folk, Music & Art Festival celebrates it's 25th year 'Under the Trees' at the Keystone grounds, July 24-26 2009. This year's festival promises to be one of the most in the exciting in the organization's history. We invite you to be apart of our 25th Anniversary celebration. If you're interested in supporting the festival and the organization please visit the website at www.brandonfolkfestival.com to find out about volunteer opportunities, to make a donation or to become a member!

I don't think you missed anything, the 'theatre versus festival' jargon is all speculation at this point IMO.  
Surely at some point the media will inquire about how the Strand Project will effect the Folk Festival, if at all.  
There plenty of hard work ahead for the board and various comittees...  
Exciting to think of the possibilites for Westman.  

don't get me wrong, I'm very excited about the prospects ot this venture. More so than I have been about downtown for a long time. It's too bad there always seems to be some sort of "issue" surrounding anything positive that happens in Brandon.  
 
On a side note, please don't forget about the skatepark. That as well will be a very positive downtown attraction and we need to support our youth!

IMO only, I have heard the same about the Festival may be coming to an end (at the Keystone). I loved the Festival at that location, but if this means that the cultural/arts/musical performances are going to be year round, or possibly since this is all tentative or in planning anyways, then this is great news. The outdoor festival has many a location to hold their event and possibly some new locations as well in development, so why are we so stressed over the possible loss of the Keystone locale?  
 
Other than the Tribal Days, my understanding is that the Folk Fest are the only 2 events that the Keystones doesn't make a nickel off every "perogie" sold?  
 
The Keystone has been looking for money making ideas/venues, etc, etc. and if making a parking lot or leasing to business is their grand solution....than it's their loss. The Festival i'm sure will be considering an outdoor event still....just maybe it won't be at the Keystone....who knows.  
 
The BFMA society needs a place like the Strand...if people wanna jump ship....then I am sure there are many whom would consider taking their place....others have before.

SJK said "don't get me wrong, I'm very excited about the prospects ot this venture. More so than I have been about downtown for a long time. It's too bad there always seems to be some sort of "issue" surrounding anything positive that happens in Brandon.     On a side note, please don't forget about the skatepark. That as well will be a very positive downtown attraction and we need to support our youth!"

I didn't misunderstand you SJK and I share your excitement..this is wonderful news for Westman, Brandon and Downtown!  
 
 
 
 

Maybe I'm missing something here, but in all the vague talk about "funding partners", I have just one question: how much is this going to cost taxpayers, who are already facing a massive property tax increase for the new fire and police stations? Is any of the money coming from the private sector, or are taxpayers going to be on the hook?  
 
Don't assume that I am opposed to the idea. I just need more info, and that would start with who is paying for this and who is getting the perks? Does Mrs. Caldwell's involvement guarantee that money will be coming from her hubby's government? Who will cover the ongoing costs? Do these types of buildings ever turn an operating profit, or are we talking about another kind of Keystone Centre situation?  
 
Answers, please.

Personally I can't imagine anyone within the organizing body addressing your questions and concerns on a public forum prior to the actual public meetings...  
 
With the announcement of this venture it was stated that there will be public meeetings held over the next three months....perhaps you can get answers to your questions at this time.  
 

Deveryn Ross said "36 hours later, still no answers? "

of you Deveryn to utilize Shandra MacNeill as a podium to take pokes at Drew Caldwell Dev. That is why I never responded to your post personally.....and you wonder why you never succeeded to be Mayor? (That was my "poke"....SORRY)

I hope this all work out for them. It would be perfect size for the band concerts, maybe the community band and orchestra and smaller concerts events where having their concerts etc. at the WCA has to be cost a fair bit and just to have the auditorium 1/3 full if that for anything. There's definitely a need for it.