Federal cash coming for Regina’s Globe Theatre, but how much?

It could be the news the Globe Theatre has been waiting for: Thursday’s federal budget says the Regina theatre will be supported by the Build Communities Strong Fund.

But it’s not yet clear whether it’s the full $12 million the Globe requested.

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“It’s not an easy feat to get into the federal budget,” executive director Oz Weaver said.

“So it’s been pretty spectacular that we’re there, and we look forward to continue moving forward with the federal government to find out what the number will be.”

The theatre has been looking for ways to pay off an $11.7 million debt incurred by renovations to the historic former post office and city hall that houses the Globe, and to finish the project.

Costs were pushed up due to the heritage nature of the building, now called MacCorquodale Place, and impacts from the pandemic.

Under an agreement between the Globe Theatre and Conexus Credit Union, loan payments have been deferred until March 2027, which Weaver said gives the organization some breathing room.

Regina city council agreed to a $1.38 million contribution in July, which Weaver said helped the organization make its case to Ottawa, and the federal commitment will do the same thing to convince potential donors and sponsors.

“It’s showing that the city, the federal government, people believe in this project, and we have incredible donors who donate both to capital and the operations, including sponsorships,” they said.

A full $12 million from the federal government would leave $2.6 million to be raised. But Weaver said it could be weeks or even months before the final number is determined.

They added they’ve already spoken with federal Secretary of State Buckley Belanger to start the process.

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