WEYBURN - The board of directors of the Weyburn Theatre Co-operative provided an update to the community on the progress of the movie theatre project.
They have been working diligently with their design and construction team and engineered drawings are nearing completion. Once engineered plans are complete, the construction team will be seeking bids from sub-trades to finalize costs.
“What we do know is that construction costs are going to be meaningfully higher than what we originally estimated nearly three years ago,” said Sean Purdue, treasurer of the board. “While we don’t have the updated figures, we are anticipating that we will need to raise an additional $1 million before this project can be completed.”
The group is considering moving ahead with getting the foundation of the building in place this fall, but there are a few things to be worked out before that decision is finalized. If they proceed with the foundation work, which includes a significant number of concrete piles, they want the public to know there is a good chance they will have to pause after this stage is complete until funds are in place to proceed with the rest of the project.
“It is not lost on us that the longer we wait, the more this project is going to cost,” said Ryan Janke, president of the board. “That’s why we are planning to begin the foundation work, while continuing our fundraising efforts.”
While they are still seeking some major sponsors and continue selling seat and walk of fame sponsorships, the Co-operative would like the public to know there is no donation too small.
“If all 12,000 residents in Weyburn contributed $5/month for the next year, we would raise more than $700,000,” said Purdue. “We would love to be watching movies by the end of next year but for that to happen, we are really hoping the public will rally behind this project.”
Those wishing to donate can e-Transfer [email protected] or contact the group at that address. PayPal payments are also an option by visiting www.weyburntheatre.com and clicking on the ‘donate now’ button.
Weyburn Theatre Community Service Co-operative is a non-profit organization, formed with the exclusive goal of bringing the movies back to the City of Weyburn. Led by a group of volunteer board members, WTCSC has engaged industry experts to plan and design a state-of-the-art two screen cinema. Once fundraising goals have been met, construction will begin on the site of the former Soo Theatre.
