Performing arts centre for Fredericton would boost economy

A report commissioned by the Playhouse and the City of Fredericton has found building a new performing arts venue would contribute $141 million to the economy.

A study by University of Moncton economics professor Pierre-Marcel Desjardins found the project would generate about 500 jobs regionally during construction and 714 nationwide, creating a significant boon to the economy.

Desjardins says the biggest impact would be felt in Fredericton, particularly after construction.

"The Playhouse is a significant player in the regional economy and by having a new infrastructure it will be even more active," he said.

The Playhouse is a significant player in the regional economy and by having a new infrastructure it will be even more active.- Pierre-Marcel Desjardins, economist

His report did not consider where the money to build the performing arts centre would come from, or the economic impact of any potential tax increase needed to pay for it.

However, he did say any infrastructure expenditure has benefits. The question, he said,  is how much 'bang for the buck' is involved in any given project. In this project, Desjardins sees a potential for positive impact. 

"If you accept the fact that there is going to be infrastructure spending, shouldn't we look at the projects that are going to have the most economic spin-offs for the region?"

Desjardins conducted a similar report for the City of Moncton, which is going ahead with a new downtown centre for sports, conventions and entertainment.

Call for new centre drew criticism

This economic study is another step forward in the pitch for a new $40-million performing arts centre to replace the existing Playhouse. The "preferred option" coming out of a two-year study was a new building with two major performance venues.

The study was commissioned by the city and Fredericton Playhouse Inc., which is the non-profit organization that manages the existing 709-seat venue.

The Playhouse opened in the 1960s and the study was "to respond to the end-of-life reality that the existing Playhouse faces and looks to find a feasible way to replace it."

The consultants deemed it unfeasible to reuse the existing Playhouse. When that study was released earlier this year it drew the ire of Walter Learning.

Learning founded Theatre New Brunswick and said in an email to CBC Radio in the spring, "You don't destroy theatres you save and rebuild them," he wrote. "Thank God Moncton and Saint John didn't tear down the Imperial and the Capitol.

"Shame on the Fredericton destroyers."