The Parks and Recreation Commission will suss out the bigger picture on ticketing at the new community theatre at Oak Bay High.
The situation arose as the Oak Bay Rotary Foundation kicked off its 100th birthday of Frank Sinatra benefit concert advertising. With the plan to use the Oak Bay High theatre, Rotary sought to have Oak Bay Rec to sell the tickets; the recreation centre hasn’t done so for community events in the past.
“It could potentially set a precedent,” said Oak Bay Mayor Nils Jensen.
Multiple members of council noted the rec centre would be an ideal box office with operational hours, from 6 a.m. to midnight each day.
“I would like the Parks and Recreation Commission to take a bigger look at this,” said Coun. Kevin Murdoch.
Council asked staff to work with Rotary on this occasion while taking a broader look toward what kind of ticketing situation would be feasible, in consult with the school and school district.
Rotary also named Oak Bay a sponsor of at the event to celebrate the 100th birthday of the late singer. The concert, by renowned jazz singer Joe Coughlin, acts as a fundraiser for the Rotary foundation’s new Sno’uyutth legacy scholarship for Oak Bay High grads.
“We feel very much committed to that theatre,” said Jensen, noting the municipality donated $1 million to the theatre during the build.