Keyano College has been granted $559,615 from the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo (RMWB) for their Theatre and Art Centre.

Various delegates representing the theatre advocated for grant during Tuesday’s council meeting.

Of the delegates was CEO and President of Keyano College, Jay Notay, who commented that the funds were needed for salaries and artist contracts.

Mayor Sandy Bowman stated during an interview that the college doesn’t receive funding from the province because it doesn’t have a theatre or music program. “It operates as a community theatre and we have different community groups using it…It’s a very important part of our community and we need to support it,” said Bowman.

“We are grateful to the Mayor and Council for supporting Keyano Theatre & Arts Centre through this grant. We believe this aligns with the Municipal Strategic Plan to provide programs and services related to arts and culture that benefit our region,” said Notay in a Wednesday press release.

The $559,615 is being funded through the Emerging Issues Reserves.