City of Prince Rupert and PRPA Partner to Replace Lester Centre Roof

EFFECTIVE NOVEMBER 28, 2024

PRINCE RUPERT, BRITISH COLUMBIA – The Lester Centre of the Arts has undergone a critical structural upgrade, helping ensure the long-term survival of the municipally-owned landmark. The Prince Rupert Port Authority’s (PRPA) Community Investment Fund collaborated with the City of Prince Rupert to fund and install new metal roofing, gutters, drains and flashing.  

This is the latest in a series of improvement projects supported by PRPA to revitalize this key City and community asset from top to bottom. PRPA committed over $317,540 to this project, bringing PRPA’s total contributions towards upgrading the Lester Centre to more than $1 million.  

The roof upgrade covers several sections of the building that had begun to leak in recent years, threatening the Lester Centre’s ongoing operations. Replacing this original infrastructure, which dated back to the facility’s opening in 1987, protects the theatre, lobby, rehearsal space, and dressing rooms that are used by thousands of people each year for a wide variety of live performances and special events.  

“The stage of the Lester Centre is where so many Rupertites get their first opportunity at artistic expression and performance. Many of them become regular performers and even move on to bigger stages and audiences,” said Mayor Herb Pond. “This facility was a generational investment from our predecessors at the City, and we are proud to contribute to its lasting legacy through 50% funding of this roof project.”  

“PRPA prides itself on always being ready to contribute to community projects that make a difference to the lives of local residents.  Our investments in upgrading and maintaining this municipal facility will have a lasting impact on current and future generations of community members as they share in the Lester Centre’s history, whether performing on stage, volunteering behind the scenes, or being entertained in the audience,” said Shaun Stevenson, President & CEO, Prince Rupert Port Authority. 

PRPA has previously contributed to five other enhancement projects that have improved the Lester Centre of the Arts and its longevity: 

• Please Be Seated: Theatre seating replacement: $302,500
• Sound system upgrade: $103,000
• Roof replacement phase I: $74,590
• Stage lighting upgrade: $114,500
• Stage floor and lobby carpet replacement: $148,160 

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ABOUT THE COMMUNITY INVESTMENT FUND
 
The Community Investment Fund is financed by a share of the Prince Rupert Port Authority’s annual net income that has been dedicated to improving the quality of life for residents of the North Coast. By investing these funds into community projects, led mostly by dedicated local volunteers, the Port Authority has been able to share its financial success with the communities that enable it. Since 2010, more than $18.9 million has been committed to the Fund, helping to bring more than 115 local and regional projects to life. Each of these projects has filled an important role in supporting recreation, health and wellness, arts and culture, youth, education, the environment, and other needs in the community. 

FOR MEDIA INQUIRIES CONTACT:   

Olivia Mowatt  
Senior Communications Officer 
Prince Rupert Port Authority   
250-627-2588 
omowatt@rupertport.com 

Veronika Stewart
Manager of Communications, Engagement and Social Development|
City of Prince Rupert
250-627-0976
veronika.stewart@princerupert.ca