The City of New Westminster has decided not to renew The Burr Society's lease on the former Columbia Theatre and, although we have access to the building until April 30th, that is only to facilitate the end of our tenancy. After years of supporting the Burr, the City will take the next few months to decide on a new direction.

Recently the Society enjoyed a resurgence of support for the re-birth of a great live performance and arts space. The arts centre may still happen if the people of New Westminster wish it, but it appears that, despite our renewed will, it will not be The Burr Society leading the charge.

The Raymond Burr Performing Arts Society's purposes are: a) To acquire, renovate, fund and operate a centre for performing arts in Downtown New Westminster, British Columbia; b) To encourage the development of performing arts in the community; c) To raise funds to carry out the purposes of the Society.

We remain committed to b and c, even though a is now impossible. Therefore the funds raised from the liquidation of the Society's assets, which include the entire contents of the facility, will be used to support the arts in New Westminster and continue the good name of Raymond Burr.

On behalf of our President, Ted Syverson, and the rest of the Board of Directors of The Burr Society; Robert French, Leanne Koehn, Norm Elmore, Chris Jodoin, Leanne Clerihue, Tina Overbury, David C. Jones and myself, I would like to thank you for your support throughout our time in the theatre.

James Rowley
Vice-President
The Raymond Burr Performing Arts Society