ACES Still Moving Ahead
Arts Centre for Edson Society Press Release
February 8, 2012
Facebook Page: “Arts Centre for Edson Society”
ACES Still Moving Ahead
The Arts Centre for Edson Society is still moving ahead with their plans. The local organization (ACES) continues to work hard at developing a new performing arts theatre in Edson.
Last December, the organization met with Edson Town Council where they were told that currently the Town cannot handle the financial burden of building this facility.
“We completely understand Town Council’s decision,” says ACES President Peter Taylor. “All members of Council really wanted to develop this project soon, but right now there are other priorities our community has to look at.” Taylor is referring to the Hillendale Phase II and new sewer line in west Edson that Council is focusing on in 2012.
With being told that their project is on hold, many people would think the organization would just pack up and stop working. But that just isn’t the case. “The message we received from Council was not no, just not right now”, says Taylor. “Instead they advised us that they would like to see our plans be shovel-ready and that we finish all the architectural drawings and geological surveys that we need. Then if some major funding becomes available, we can proceed immediately.”
The current plans ACES has devised will see a 500 seat performing arts theatre and visual arts gallery attached to the Edson and District and Recreation Complex. In addition, the facility will see some much-needed renovations including an insulated curling rink, bleachers in the curling rink, an expanded deck next to the lounge and upgrades to the electrical wiring and the sprinkler systems.
To fund the next set of drawings, Edson Town Council has agreed to budget money in 2012 budget. “We understand this is a huge expense,” says Taylor. “And we are grateful of Council’s support and encouragement.”
Members of Town Council have also spoken up about ACES’s progress. “This organization is truly a grass-roots organization,” says Councillor Gean Chouinard, who also sits on ACES at the Council representative. “They have worked very hard to this point, and we want them to continue to try to make this facility a reality.”
With the next phase of drawings underway, ACES is now focusing on creating a fundraising plan. “We know we won’t be fundraising in the immediate future,” says ACES member Ron Christie, who is helping to start the fundraising initiative. “But we still want to have everything prepared.” Christie added that the fundraising plans will see ACES visit local commercial businesses asking for corporate support and naming rights to sections of the Recreation Complex. “Council has asked us to hold-off our fundraising efforts for now, but we still want everything ready to go when the time comes,” he says.
Needless to say, the dream of new performing arts centre is still very much alive in the Edson area. ACES will continue to work hard on behalf of the citizens of Edson and Yellowhead County that wish to have a facility where the entire community can admire the many artists, performers, dancers and musicians that will finally have a facility to showcase their amazing skills.
The next ACES monthly meeting is on Wednesday March 14, 7:00 pm, in the library at Holy Redeemer.
If you would like more information on this article please feel free to contact Peter Taylor, President of ACES at 780-725-2006, or join the Facebook page: “Arts Centre for Edson Society”.
PDF – Feb 8 2012 Press Release