The public house to gather input on the future use of the former opera house that was once located on the upper floor of the Town Hall building in Battleford will now take place at Fort Battleford on Wednesday. (file photo/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By Angela Brown

Seeking input

Public discussion on opera house space moved to Fort Battleford

Nov 5, 2019 | 11:23 AM

Those planning to attend the open house Wednesday on the future use of the former opera house space in Battleford will want to note the change in venue.

The come-and-go-style event to be held from 6 p.m to 8 p.m. will now take place at Fort Battleford instead of the Town Hall.

Mayor Ames Leslie said the location was moved to a larger venue because organizers now anticipate more members of the public to attend.

People can also complete an online survey if they are not able to take part in the open house. A paper version of the survey is also available at the Town Hall offices in Battleford.

The aim of the Town Hall Rehabilitation and Renewal Project’s Open House is to gather public input on what people would like to see for the future use of the upper floor in the Town Hall building, whether that is an opera house type of space for community performances, or for some other use.

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“We need the public to come out and help us understand what the taxpayers want to see done with the Town Hall,” Leslie said following council Monday.

The town hired Saskatoon firm Group 2 Architecture and Interior Design to work with residents, stakeholders, council and staff to determine the best use of the space.

Leslie said the town is also looking for ideas on future uses for the basement of the Town Hall building.

He said currently only 40 per cent of the Town Hall building is being used, and the town would like to see all of the building functional.

“We want to know from the community: What is the best bang for your buck? Or, what do you as a community want us to do with the rest of this building?” the mayor said.

Leslie said he is also personally available to provide tours of the former opera house located on the upper floor of the Town Hall from 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Mondays to Fridays, during town operating hours, for people making a request in advance to see the space.

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angela.brown@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @battlefordsnow