Everybody loves a good sequel and in Selkirk, the Garry Theatre’s second act is as anticipated as anything the Avengers have ever put out.
If you’ve strolled by the Manitoba Avenue jewel this month you may have noticed that inside the doors Blue Sky Construction has begun the theatre’s renewal that will be revealed later this year. Work began March 3.
Renovations so far include seats being removed, walls knocked down and old carpets ripped out.
“It’s been an exciting journey and we’re looking forward to being able to show everyone what the new Garry will look like.”
City of Selkirk Manager of Cultural and Recreational Programs, Kyla Ray
“The city purchased the Garry Theatre in 2021 and received overwhelming support from the public during consultations and a survey to keep it going as a community theatre and we’re now in the midst of its transformation,” said Kyla Ray, the city’s Manager of Cultural and Recreational Programs.
“It’s been an exciting journey and we’re looking forward to being able to show everyone what the new Garry will look like.”
Renovations will include an accessible entryway, wheelchair lift to access the theatre, dedicated wheelchair seating area, renovated accessible washrooms, new flooring and seating, roof repairs, HVAC system replacement, electrical system replacement and aesthetic improvements.
“The Garry has been reimagined into a community space, inspired by the public voice, and it will bring even more people into the downtown.”
City of Selkirk CAO, Duane Nicol
The new Garry will be an independent, community-led, non-profit organization and it will show movies, host live performances, community events and more.
Renovating and reopening the Garry is the latest in the city’s revitalization of its downtown, which has included the redesign of both Manitoba Avenue East, seven blocks of Eveline Street and Main Street North from Taylor to Manitoba.
“The goal was always to create a vibrant downtown area that is attractive, accessible, and active,” said CAO Duane Nicol.
“The city, and local businesses, have turned downtown into a place that is welcoming and full of energy. The Garry has been reimagined into a community space, inspired by the public voice, and it will bring even more people into the downtown. As we’ve seen in other cities, the downtown is the heartbeat of the community. The stronger the downtown, the stronger the city.”
“The Garry Theatre will be more than just a theatre. It’ll be a gathering place, a community and a cultural hub.”
City of Selkirk Mayor Larry Johannson
Love for the Garry was on full display when the city launched a survey in 2022, and an incredible 1,158 people participated and showed overwhelming support for the theatre’s reopening.
Selkirk Council is also excited to see it’s vision of a revitalized community-led Garry Theatre get underway.
“It’s so important for us to revive the Garry Theatre,” said Mayor Larry Johannson.
“We’ve invested millions into making our downtown safer, more accessible, and more vibrant. The Garry Theatre will be a key catalyst that continues to bring people downtown.”
Selkirk’s Strategic Plan calls for the city to continue to evolve into a vibrant, safe, and healthy community with a revitalized downtown.
“The Garry Theatre will be more than just a theatre. It’ll be a gathering place, a community and a cultural hub,” Johannson said.
Citizen engagement key in Garry revitalization
Urban Systems helped the city develop a business plan for the theatre and community planner Jeff Palmer was blown away by support for the Garry.
Palmer said when a survey moves such a high number of people to participate, it can mean one of two things.
“Usually, it means that you feel very strongly about a project – either you love it or hate it. Most often in our line of work, it means you’re really opposed to a project. But in this case, it was the complete opposite. It was overwhelming support,” Palmer said.
“I don’t recall hearing from anyone that they thought buying the theatre was a bad idea. There was very strong support for purchasing the theatre, regardless of what it becomes, so that’s good. It was an ambitious move and so we applaud the city for taking that initiative.”
“The response to the survey and the support on social media demonstrates clearly how important the Garry is to the community,” Ray said.
“While the interior is being transformed, we’re developing policies and by-laws and establishing a theatre board to ensure it has the best opportunity for success.”
Respondents to the survey indicated a willingness to volunteer and many said they were interested in becoming board members.
Board Member application and volunteer opportunities coming soon!
The city purchased the theatre with full intentions of it becoming a community-run space and made it clear that the city would not be operating the Garry directly and that the community’s input and leadership would be sought.
Anyone who indicated during the survey process that they would be interested in being a theatre board member will be contacted and an application process for others will be available. A general manager will also be hired.
More than board members are required to ensure the Garry’s success and over 400 survey respondents said they were eager to volunteer.
“This is an exciting time for the city and its citizens,” Ray said.
“We need the enthusiasm that people felt after the purchase of the theatre to continue. Volunteers will be critical to the Garry’s success and there will be opportunities for people to be involved and contribute to ensuring it’s here for many more years to come.”
The city has received grants for the Garry Theatre’s renovations, including a Building Sustainable Community Grant for its business plan ($35,000) and an Arts, Culture and Sport in Community Fund grant for the detailed design and renovation ($562,500 matching grant).
The city is developing sponsorship opportunities that range from seat donations that will include a plaque with your name on one of the new chairs in the theatre, to opportunities for title sponsor for the theatre hall, the stage or the concession stand. More information on sponsorship opportunities is coming soon.
Your chance to volunteer is coming soon! In the meantime, stay connected and get exclusive renovation updates by visiting www.garrytheatre.ca or by following the Garry on Facebook, Instagram and Bluesky, @thegarrytheatre.
