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Penticton  

Penmar Society still hopeful

The group that hoped to open a community theatre in the old Penmar building hasn't given up on the idea, even though the building has been sold.

Kerri Milton, with the Penmar Community Arts Society, said while the group's restoration effort is now at a close, the vision remains.

"We wish the Encore Vineyards the best of luck in their new venture. Their idea sounds innovative and should bring vitality to Penticton’s downtown. We are pleased that they intend to keep the 75­-seat theatre and look forward to having it available for community use," she said.

"However, it will not resolve the need for a community performance space. Our citizens need an accessible, midsize performance space that can accommodate live music, theatre, and dance as this type of venue is currently not available."

The ownership group advised the society of its intention to sell the building last year.

Despite this challenge, society members voted at their December annual general meeting to continue efforts to make the Penmar dream a reality and to relaunch a fundraising campaign.

This most recent campaign raised $70,000 in pledges and donations while the membership continued to rally support for the project.

The society was subsequently advised on Apr. 8 of the offer to purchase and had little time to respond.

While the society assesses the options for moving forward, all fundraising efforts are halted.

All donations received in the Open­The­ Doors campaign are secured and pledges are not being debited, the society has stated.

A full explanation of the recent events and options for the future will be put forward at a special general meeting on May 7 at 3:30 p.m. A location for the meeting will be announced shortly.

For updates go to www.penmar.ca or email [email protected]



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