Walker Theatre

Facing a long-term mortgage debt of $1.2-million, the 1,700-seat venue is looking to City Hall to reduce its financial burden, due in part to $16,000 in annual municipal taxes.

While its taxes are being paid, the 96-year-old private non-profit auditorium is being hard hit by what Walker directors see as unfair grant and tax breaks given to its competitors, Centennial Concert Hall and Pantages Playhouse. Without entertainment-tax concessions and with sky-rocketing heating bills, the Walker could reach the end of the line with mortgage-holders who aren’t always being paid.

The Smith Street theatre wants to pay a grant in lieu of city taxes, including property levies. The Walker directors said that provincially owned Centennial and city-owned Pantages are exempt from those levies.

David McDowell said it’s “ironic” the Exchange District building is in dire straits amid surging civic enthusiasm for enlivening the historic quarter (Winnipeg Free Press).

The Odeon Cinema, was built in 1900 as the Walker Theatre after the original building, the Victoria Hall, was destroyed by a fire. In 1945, the theatre was sold because of tax arrears and subsequently has its second opening as the Odeon in 1945.

C. Howard Stone was commissioned to build the theatre so that it was modern and fully fireproof. The theatre’s construction was significant because there were no columns or posts, so the patrons view was not obstructed. The interior of the Walker was also richly and ornately finished with white Italian marble.

The Walker Theatre has staged numerous exhilarating shows, where some of the most eminent actors and actresses have performed before thousands of satisfied patrons.