The city of Cold Lake is making strides toward establishing a dedicated arts and culture centre after receiving a comprehensive report on the community’s arts needs and potential facility options.
The “Arts and Culture Needs Assessment,” presented by Schick Shiner and Associates at the city’s last regular council meeting, outlines the feasibility, costs, and anticipated benefits of such a centre.
Richard Schick, lead consultant on the project, praised the city for commissioning the study, which revealed surprising insights about Cold Lake’s demographics.
“Over 40 percent of the community is over 35 years old, 50 percent have a post-secondary education, and 60 percent of households have a household after-tax income of $100,000,” Schick explained. “All of those things indicate the profile for an arts consumer.”
Schick noted, despite the promising market, a lack of significant arts activity in the city, speculating that the issue could stem from either the absence of appropriate facilities or the transient nature of Cold Lake’s oil and gas economy.
Schick cited Fernie B.C., as an example of how a smaller community can thrive with an arts centre. Fernie’s 100-seat theatre, for instance, attracts 20,000 visitors annually.
The report outlines three facility options, including, an all-in option, a 49,000-square-foot facility at an estimated cost of $42 million. A moderate option, slightly smaller 42,000-square-foot facility costing $40 to $42 million and a spartan option, a compact 29,000-square-foot facility projected to cost $30 million.
Each option would include a 600-seat theatre, spaces for visual arts such as pottery and painting, and a flexible multi-purpose common area. Schick described the facility as a “community centre for the arts,” designed to be accessible and welcoming rather than exclusive.
While arts centres often operate at a deficit, Schick highlighted the broader community benefits they offer.
Estimated annual operating costs range from $1.6 to $1.8 million, with an anticipated shortfall of $200,000 to $300,000. Revenue sources could include ticket sales, bar and café operations, and gift shop income.
Schick highlighted that organizations need to think beyond merely offering a venue. He explained that this means becoming a retailer by purchasing talent, producing shows, and taking risks, all steps that can help cover operational costs.
Coun. Bob Mattice expressed optimism, suggesting the operating costs could be comparable to or lower than other municipal facilities, such as swimming pools. “You could build an arts centre for less and service more individuals,” he said.
It was recommended engaging architects to create designs and hiring an arts coordinator to develop programming ahead of the facility’s launch.
He emphasized the importance of preparation, advising, “You don’t want to open the building cold.” Instead, he recommended cultivating an arts community and programming activities in advance so that the momentum naturally carries forward when the facility officially opens.
Council received the presentation s information and will revisit the proposal in future discussions.
