After some uncertainty and back-and-forth announcements about the Michael J. Fox Theatre in Burnaby, it turns out the space could be open for business in the future after all.
Daily Hive Urbanized most recently shared that it was the final curtain for the beloved theatre, as the Burnaby Board of Education shared that June 30 would be the final day for the theatre and that it was going to be closing its doors to the public after that.
The news came less than a week after Burnaby City Council offered a one-time grant valued at $300,000 to allow the theatre to stay open until the end of 2027, giving the Burnaby School District more time to seek more sustainable solutions.
On June 25, the City of Burnaby announced that it was supporting the Burnaby School District in seeking a new operator for the theatre. The theatre will now remain open until July 2027 as the search for a new operator commences, with a one-time grant of $400,000.
“To our community who rallied so strongly around the Michael J. Fox Theatre, we heard you, and we thank you,” said Kristin Schnider, Burnaby board of education chair, in a statement.
“We’re deeply appreciative of the mayor and City Council for their generous efforts to collaborate with the Board of Education. Together, we found a path forward that keeps the theatre open to the public. The performing arts play a vital role in bringing people together and strengthening community,” Schnider said, adding that this will allow the theatre’s “proud legacy” to continue.
The City of Burnaby referenced the previous announcement that June 30 would be the theatre’s last day regarding public events.
“Recognizing the value of the theatre to the community and the significant costs to the school district, the City of Burnaby and School District have worked together to find this new and temporary solution to keep the theatre open to the public while a new operator is sought,” the City of Burnaby said.
“A new operating model and structure would also reduce the financial and administrative responsibilities on the school district and maintain community access. The School District and schools will continue to have access to the theatre,” the City added.
When the theatre opened back in 1993, it was operated by an independent and non-profit society.
“In January 2025, the District shared that, due to management changes within the Michael J. Fox Theatre Society, responsibility for the theatre changed such that it rested solely with the Burnaby School District,” the City said.