North Peace Cultural Centre needs new dimmer rack

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — The North Peace Cultural Centre is asking for donations to replace a dimmer rack that has started failing after nearly a quarter of a century of productions.

In 1992, the Cultural Centre opened with brand-new, state of the art equipment, and worked well for the next 20 years. However, the dimmer rack has shown signs of aging in recent years, and has even failed entirely during show. Now, the Cultural Centre has to purchase a new dimmer rack altogether.

“It’s been on it’s last legs for about four years, but we kept on doing things like replacing certain parts,” said Operations Manager Oliver Hachmeister.

The dimmer rack quit during a show a few weeks ago, but luckily, a back up plan allowed the show to go on and finish. He explained that the problem with the dimmer rack with the detection of airflow, and the unit seems to think it’s overheating when it’s not.

The cost to purchase and install a new light is $50,000, and the facility is accepting corporate or personal donations. Hachmeister said $13,000 has been raised so far, from donations from organizations.

The Cultural Centre says all donations over $25 will receive a charitable tax receipt, donations over $500 will be recognized on their Donor Wall. Donations over $2,000 will be recognized from the stage, and donations over $5,000 will have their logo or name displayed on their new LED sign outside of the building, as well as print recognition.

Groups including North Peace Secondary’s, Dr. Kearney’s and Bert Bowe’s Musical Theatre Programs, Studio 2, Stage North, and the Theatre BC festival hit the stage at the Cultural Centre each year. School District 60’s Beginner Band is also hosted in the theatre four times a week.