Esplanade upgrading costs will be more than matched by new grant

By MEDICINE HAT NEWS on July 28, 2021.

https://www.medicinehatnews.com@MedicineHatNews

The higher cost of upgrading the audio and ticketing system and a smoke machine at the Esplanade will be more than offset by a new federal government grant, the city’s public services committee heard on Monday.

The city set aside $50,000 to replace the “front-of-house console” that controls the theatre’s sound system within the 2019-2022 capital budget.

However, the capital needs list grew when the “hazer” broke and the mobile ticket scanning system used by ushers suffered ongoing “failures,” according to documents.

The added cost totalled $29,300, though after combining the work, the city has received a $39,700 grant from Canadian Heritage’s Cultural Spaces fund.

The city’s co-pay share of the entire project is also $39,700, meaning about $10,000 will be saved compared to spending plans in the capital budget related to the operations. A budget amendment stating such will be taken to council next month.

The new ticket system will also be available at other city venues, such as Co-op Place, and other facilities, according to officials.