Save the Pantages Theatre

Dear Mayor and Council,

We the undersigned support the preservation and restoration of the Pantages Theatre on Hastings Street in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada based on a unique plan by the Pantages Theatre Arts Society (the Society).

On October 23, 2008, ctvbc.ca reported that: "Charlie Chaplin performed there in 1912, when he was a little known song and dance man. But for the first time in years, there are for sale signs up at one of western Canada's oldest theatres, the Pantages near Hastings and Main in downtown Vancouver. The 100-year-old venue could soon be sold and demolished, meaning a significant part of Vancouver's history would be lost."

Furthermore, it has been reported that the Society had worked for more than thirty-eight (38) months on a comprehensive plan to restore the theatre to its former glory. The Society approached the City of Vancouver (the City) with its plans in April 2008 and it now appears that the talks surrounding the restoration and preservation of the Pantages has stalled and the future of this historic treasure is now at risk.

In short, the plan put forward by the Society would not only restore and expand the presence of arts, live theatre, music and business in the east side of downtown Vancouver, but it would also assist in the development of new social housing in the east side. This unique plan was developed to fit within the Citys own economic and social policies and strategies.

The City has already let too many heritage sites slip through its hands and the Pantages should not be one of them. Either the Pantages will be restored, or more cookie cutter condos will be built. We the undersinged would rather see the theatre restored to its former glory, to stand alongside the recently restored Stanley and Queen Elizabeth Theatres as a premier location for arts in Vancouver, British Columbia.

We the undersigned encourage the City of Vancouver Mayor and Council (both current and future) to strongly support the plans that have been brought forward by the Pantages Theatre Arts Society and work to ensure that the dream that exists within these plans becomes a reality for future generations to enjoy.