Neighbouring Fire Affects Vernon Towne Theatre

The newly renovated Vernon Towne Theatre was the victim of damage from a fire at a neighbouring business.  It has been closed since the 10th of February due to the fire, and they are now facing uncertainty on when they can open their doors again as the damage (mostly smoke damage, broken glass, etc) is remediated.  They are hopeful to just be closed for a month, but are dealing with processes outside their control which could extend that timeframe depending on what may have to be replaced or repaired.

 

The theatre had just re-opened in the fall by the non-profit Okanagan Screen Arts Society, who had rescued the theatre from closure and just completed significant, expensive (and amazingly beautiful) renovations to the space.

 

The theatre was quickly springing back to life with audience numbers bouncing back more quickly than the rest of their industry, especially on their special Monday Night at the Arts evenings.  They were doing well enough to already start hosting successful fundraisers for other local community groups.   A great grassroots community success story has now hit an unfortunate and badly-timed speed bump.  

 

Even though the fire was not in their business and they are insured, the theatre and Society are facing unexpected losses in the tens of thousands of dollars (deductibles, increased premiums, lost business, etc).  What should have been a continued great stretch of business into the Spring has now turned into a big set back for the devastated Board and others who have put thousands of volunteer hours into the renovations and opening the theatre up for the community under difficult circumstances.

 

The theatre has been an entertainment venue for Vernonites since it opened in 1929 as a live dance hall.  In 1938 it opened as one of the most modern and advanced cinemas in the country.  Generations of residents of the North Okanagan have made great memories at The Towne, whether going to Saturday matinees as a kid in the '50's, redeeming winkie wrappers for free admission, graduation ceremonies, first dates, and countless more.

 

All funds raised will go directly to the Okanagan Screen Arts Society for the purpose of getting re-opened as quickly as possible and covering expenses while the insurance process goes on over the next few weeks.