The Capital Regional District (CRD) Board has officially moved to expand support for performing arts across the region, including Salt Spring Island, following the adoption of a new funding service on April 10, 2026.
The new program, established through Bylaw No. 4704, creates a dedicated service to provide both operating and capital funding for performing arts venues. The decision comes after an Alternative Approval Process (AAP) concluded on March 30, 2026, which saw only 150 valid response forms submitted. This number was well below the threshold needed to trigger a formal referendum, allowing the board to proceed with the initiative.
Salt Spring Island is one of 14 jurisdictions participating in this regional service. The program is designed to address a long-standing issue where stagnant funding levels for major venues since the late 1990s led to a 40 per cent loss in purchasing power. By creating this unified model, the regional district aims to sustain and improve access to arts facilities throughout the area.
The service will carry an estimated annual cost of $2.3 million. This total includes $1.35 million already allocated to the Royal Theatre and the McPherson Playhouse in Victoria, plus an additional $1 million in new regional funding. The plan also allows for contributions toward the Charlie White Theatre in Sidney and supports the potential development of new facilities, such as the proposed theatre project in the West Shore.
To ensure fiscal oversight, the maximum amount the service can collect annually is capped at $3 million. This limit is tied to a property tax rate of approximately $0.0171 per $1,000 of assessed property value. Following this adoption, the service will be integrated into the regional government’s 2027 Financial Plan.
During the board meeting, Chair Cliff McNeil-Smith acknowledged the work of directors Colin Plant and Marianne Alto, who led the committee responsible for developing the proposal over the past several years.
