A Miracle Still Waiting to Happen - The York Theatre
by Tom Durrie

In a city sorely lacking in performance space, it is sad to see a beautiful and practical small theatre sitting dark and unused. Over and over, we have learned that a 450 to 500 seat theatre is urgently needed by performance groups in Vancouver. The York Theatre is just that size, and it is not a converted warehouse or church, it was built (1913) as a theatre. It has a proscenium stage, a fly tower, a balcony with loges, and excellent acoustics.

Located at 639 Commercial Drive, it was, for the greater part of its history, known as The York Theatre. As the home of Vancouver Little Theatre (1923-1977) it is an important part of Vancouver cultural history. As the Raja Cinema for the past ten years this theatre has had its ups and downs. It has now been closed for over a year.

It was recently purchased by an unknown party. We have reason to believe that the plan is for re-development of the site, meaning demolition of the theatre.

It is really important that we continue to let our representatives in city council know that the community—and not just the theatre community—wants to see this historic facility preserved, restored, and used as a theatre. We urge them not to allow permits for any other use.
 

Please send emails and letters to mayorandcouncil@vancouver.ca with copies to james.boldt@vancouver.ca (Mr. Boldt is taking Gerry McGeough’s position in heritage.)

I also urge everyone to copy this message to the friends and colleagues.

Tom Durrie