Bus Stop Theatre Co-op Buys Building

Halifax’s Bus Stop Theatre has finalized the purchase of its building after a two-year campaign!

Previously, the co-op rented space in the building on Gottingen Street, but the whole place went up for sale in 2019. Executive Director Sebastien Labelle then rallied community members and with donations and funding from local and provincial governments they were able to purchase the space. Labelle says the victory is bittersweet. “We’ve now saved the theatre, but we can’t do theatre.” He adds the hope is to transition to a recording and broadcasting space for artists and begin renovations this fall. The small venue plans to welcome theatre-goers when it can in accordance with COVID-19 guidelines.

https://globalnews.ca/news/7266416/bus-stop-theatre-purchases-building-after-nearly-2-year-campaign/

Finlandia Co-op Works to Save Labour Temple

In Thunder Bay, Ontario, community members are rallying to save the historic Finnish Labour Temple and its famous Hoito restaurant. The Finlandia Association became The Finlandia Co-op this Spring and has now incorporated. Leaders hope this will allow the group to raise the funds needed to buy the 110-year-old hall, listed at $599,000. The co-op wants to breathe life back into the space and create a multi-stakeholder co-op. It will soon begin to sell co-op memberships to businesses, non-profits and individuals. Incorporation means Finlandia can now seek funding through government grants and bank loans. The bid deadline for the building is mid-August.

https://www.tbnewswatch.com/local-news/incorporation-big-step-for-co-op-hoping-to-save-hoito-2592698