Support the Chatham Capitol Theatre as an Asset

To: Mayor and Council, Municipality of Chatham-Kent Attention: Mayor Randy Hope Re: Future Operation of the Capitol Theatre This letter is respectfully submitted to Municipal Council on behalf of the thousands of Capitol Theatre supporters and financial stakeholders, small and large, who have believed in a vision that reached fruition with the opening last summer of this magnificent facility. Attached are the signatures of people from across the entire Municipality. The Capitol Theatre is a valuable, irreplaceable cultural and entertainment asset that is a critical building block which will greatly assist this Community to move forward in a progressive manner; and this is Chatham-Kents’ asset. This viable downtown venue is of immeasurable economic importance that extends well beyond the immediate boundaries of the theatre; as a marketing tool it must rank in importance with the industrial park, the new convention centre as well as our medical and educational facilities. As council deliberates on its future, we urge that serious consideration be given to the long term ramifications of any decision on the viability of this magnificent theatre operation. Whatever the final arrangement, either as a sole operator or in partnership, there must be a commitment to utilize this asset to the fullest extent of its capabilities which is what makes this theatre unique to all of southwestern Ontario. The ultimate operator must submit long term strategic business and sound operational plans, hopefully supported by ongoing funding from the Municipality which appears to be the normal practice, across Canada, for this type of theatre venue. Without this funding commitment, needed to attract the Broadway and major Musical events, all we will experience are venues that will be performed in a grandiose version of the Cultural Centre. Council can demonstrate real leadership and confidence in a successful recovery plan by making an annual economic contribution at a very minimal cost to the total Municipal budget. We ask you to recognize the goodwill of all those individuals and corporations who currently have a financial investment in this facility as well as the support of all those who have and will continue to attend these venues. With continued foresight and fortitude this Council will give visitors another reason to include Chatham-Kent as a destination.