Seating is taking on a new meaning this year for the Klaglahachie Fine Arts Society (KFAS) that has garnered enough money to build theatre seating at its main stage at the United Church.
Construction is already underway, says KFAS president Richard McKelvie during an interview. The society was able to raise $131,000 for the job with $30,000 coming from KFAS, $30,000 from Ponoka County and the rest coming as a grant from the Community Facility Enhancement Program of the provincial government.
KFAS hired Leroy Rempel Construction, owned by Leroy Rempel, and his wife, interior director, Jill, to complete the work in the theatre space.
“They were looking for someone to kind of pull the field in a professional way,” said Jill.
She sees the project as a way to revive the church and to also bring in community events.
“We’re going to invite all community groups to use it,” said McKelvie.
Jill added she enjoys working in the space as there are some key historic qualities that she will highlight in the design work. Rempel said he started construction and already the theatre seating is starting to take shape.
He hopes to have the work completed by July unless there are unforeseen issues.
While the lower area is being built to allow theatre goers a better view of the stage, the balcony will remain relatively unchanged. Jill says new paint and sound proofing boards will be installed in the balcony.
She added that a big part of the budget is flooring. “There are things Klaglahachie may do in the future, but we’ve had to prioritize our wants.”
McKelvie said there are many pews that have been donated by members of the community over the years and in an effort to honour those donations, a special board with all the dedication plaques on the pews will be framed together.
“Right from the very beginning, we looked at those pews as material, in an honouring way,” added Jill.
Rempel, Jill and McKelvie have already spoken with members of the congregation to explain the changes that were going to come. The new seats will be cushioned.