The iconic marquee on the front of the Cultural Centre’s building is being replaced, although not for a lack of love for the old signage.
“[The work being done is] a revitalization of the existing marquee sign that was there,” said Cory Oakes, Parks and Recreation Operations manager and representative of the project. “So the goal is to basically modernize it with keeping the original look but in more lasting and environmentally proven materials.”
The marquee was originally built out of materials not meant to withstand the environment for so long and was beginning to exhibit some concerns. Waterlogged and aging, the structural integrity of the signage prompted questions of safety, and work began to recreate the sign exactly but in more durable, modern materials.
“We're trying to keep it the same sign,” said Oakes. “We've had a local fabricator basically match it except in modern materials — so steel and aluminum and powder coating and those sorts of things that'll last for the next 60 years as opposed to the next 10.”
The new sign is expected to be installed by the end of July, although sooner would be ideal for Oakes as the marquee is a notable part of the historical downtown vibe and the Cultural Centre is a hub of activity in the city.
“Just with the amount of activities and foot traffic that goes by there — it's a historic building,” said Oakes. “It's important because there are lots of different events that go on there, high profile events, and a heritage site should always be maintained.”
The Heritage Advisory Committee has been consulting on the project, as the Cultural Centre is a heritage building. The city is footing the cost of the project.
