The Burnaby School District has learned via media reports that the City of Burnaby is proposing providing a one-time grant of up to $150,000 per year over the next two years to maintain access for community productions at the Michael J Fox Theatre.
The District will work with the Burnaby Board of Education to evaluate the feasibility of the City of Burnaby’s proposal.
It is important to reiterate that costs borne by the District go beyond that of the theatre’s estimated $150,000 operating loss for this year. The District also spent approximately $200,000 over the last year in general District staff time for theatre-related work. Additionally, the theatre requires more than $700,000 in capital upgrades.
For more than 18 months the District has been in dialogue with the City of Burnaby in the hopes of establishing a partnership where the City would have a licensing agreement with the District and would manage the venue’s operations, while maintaining access for students and staff.
As a school district, we’re deeply appreciative of the passion that people have for what the venue has brought to the wider community and are proud of the Michael J Fox Theatre’s legacy.
Additional Background
City to provide one-time grant to support operational deficit of Michael J. Fox Theatre
City of Burnaby News, Released May 12, 2026
Michael J Fox Theatre Usage Changing
Burnaby School District News Release, April 14, 2026
District and City of Burnaby Exploring Future Management of Michael J Fox Theatre
Joint News Release, City of Burnaby and Burnaby School District, January 14, 2025
Posted May 13, 2026