A historic and beloved Vancouver outdoor theatre venue won't be reopening.
The Kitsilano Showboat suffered extensive damage following an early morning fire on April 22.
Despite efforts to recover the venue through a fundraiser, the Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation has deemed the wreckage "beyond repair," a spokesperson tells V.I.A. on Wednesday (May 10).
"The main building has suffered 60 per cent fire damage, with 50 per cent of the roof timber and 70 per cent of the cracked brick masonry walls being affected," they add.
Demolition of the Kitsilano Showboat is scheduled for the fall.
The Park Board notes that staff are working to help ensure the Kitsilano Showboat Society can still continue this summer's performances while awaiting the outcome of a structural integrity inspection of the Showboat stage.
Despite the decision, the Society says that it plans to go ahead with their 88th anniversary season in an update on Facebook.
However, it notes that it first needs to get approval from the Park Board to use any part of the Showboat. "The show must go on!" the Facebook post adds.
On Saturday (May 13), the Society shared an update to Facebook announcing that they received permission from the Park Board to use the stage.
The Society will hold a limited season of 10 nights over four weeks, starting on opening night, June 19.
