City Supports District to Seek New Theatre Operator

In January 2025 the District shared that, due to management changes within the Michael J Fox Theatre Society, responsibility for the theatre changed such that it rested solely with the Burnaby School District.

Following a new offer of financial support from the City of Burnaby to keep the doors of the Michael J Fox Theatre open to the community for another year, the Burnaby School District is actively seeking a new theatre operator. The City of Burnaby has approved a one-time grant of up to $400,000 for a period of one year, beginning in July 2026. The funds will allow the theatre to operate as it has been while the District searches for a permanent operator.

Burnaby Mayor Mike Hurley:

“City Council is pleased to provide this one-time grant as a sustainable way to give the Burnaby School District the required time to find an appropriate non-profit provider to operate the Michael J Fox Theatre for the benefit of the community. We look forward to a new operating model for the theatre and a successful future.”  

Burnaby Councillor Daniel Tetrault, Chair of the City’s Parks, Recreation and Culture Committee:

“This is a win for Burnaby’s cultural community, for Burnaby South Secondary’s school community and for all residents who enjoy the performances and celebrations that the Michael J Fox Theatre has hosted over the years. Our hope is that this agreement will set the stage for a strong future for this important cultural venue.”

Burnaby Board of Education Chair Kristin Schnider:

“To our community who rallied so strongly around the Michael J Fox Theatre, we heard you and we thank you. We’re deeply appreciative of the Mayor and City Council for their generous efforts to collaborate with the Board of Education. Together, we found a path forward that keeps the theatre open to the public. The performing arts play a vital role in bringing people together and strengthening community. This increased one-time grant will help preserve this important role while ensuring the Burnaby School District’s funds and focus remain on education, allowing the theatre’s proud legacy to continue.”  

Earlier, the District announced that the last day for community access to the theatre would be on June 30. Recognizing the value of the theatre to the community and the significant costs to the school district, the City of Burnaby and District have worked together to find this new and temporary solution to keep the theatre open to the public while a new operator is sought.

Should the process be successful in finding a suitable operator, a licensing agreement with the non-profit would provide a long-term solution to keep the theatre available for community access. A new operating model and structure would also reduce the financial and administrative responsibilities on the school district and maintain community access. The District and schools will continue to have access to the theatre.

Located on Burnaby South Secondary’s property, the Michael J Fox Theatre was operated by an independent, non-profit society when it opened in 1993.

Additional Background

Update: Michael J Fox Theatre
Burnaby School District News Release, May 19, 2026

City Proposal: Michael J Fox Theatre
Burnaby School District News Release, May 13, 2026

City to provide one-time grant to support operational deficit of Michael J. Fox Theatre
City of Burnaby News, Released May 12, 2026

Michael J Fox Theatre Usage Changing
Burnaby School District News Release, April 14, 2026

District and City of Burnaby Exploring Future Management of Michael J Fox Theatre
Joint News Release, City of Burnaby and Burnaby School District, January 14, 2025

Posted June 25, 2026