Following a new offer of financial support from the City of Burnaby to keep the doors of the Michael J Fox Theatre open to the community for another year, the Burnaby School District is actively seeking a new theatre operator. The City of Burnaby has approved a one-time grant of up to $400,000 for a period of one year, beginning in July 2026. The funds will allow the theatre to operate as it has been while the School District searches for a permanent operator.
“City Council is pleased to provide this one-time grant as a sustainable way to give the Burnaby School District the required time to find an appropriate non-profit provider to operate the Michael J Fox Theatre for the benefit of the community,” said Mayor Mike Hurley. “We look forward to a new operating model for the theatre and a successful future.”
“This is a win for Burnaby’s cultural community, for Burnaby South Secondary’s school community and for all residents who enjoy the performances and celebrations that the Michael J Fox Theatre has hosted over the years,” said Councillor Daniel Tetrault, Chair of the Parks, Recreation and Culture Committee. “Our hope is that this agreement will set the stage for a strong future for this important cultural venue.”
“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. “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. This increased one-time grant will help preserve this important role while ensuring the Burnaby School District’s funds and focus remain on education, allowing the theatre’s proud legacy to continue.”
Earlier, the School District announced that the last day for community access to the theatre would be on June 30. 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.
Should the process be successful in finding a suitable operator, a licensing agreement with the non-profit would provide a long-term solution to keep the theatre available for community access. 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.
Located on Burnaby South Secondary’s property, the Michael J Fox Theatre was operated by an independent, non-profit society when it opened in 1993.
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.