The Technicolor at SilverCity should stay on the inside.
That’s the consensus of Saanich council in response to a request for a brighter exterior at the 10-screen theatre complex, which is 14 years old. Renovations have already been done inside the building, located at the Tillicum Centre next to Cuthbert Holmes Park.
Saanich Mayor Frank Leonard said the current colour scheme, a pale green-and-blue combination that blends into the surroundings, is more in keeping with the public’s sensibilities.
The proposal for a new paint job, which includes bright blue and white, just doesn’t fit with the proximity of the park and the Colquitz River, he said. Those were the sentiments he expressed at a committee of the whole meeting this week.
“I called it ‘gaudy,’ ” Leonard said.
The proposed facade would create “corporate branding” at the theatre, according to the Saanich planning department. The idea is to depict the night sky, with existing raven and orca figures being replaced by First Nations-themed constellations representing a raven and a bear.
Saanich’s advisory design panel recommended supporting the exterior changes, while the planning department said no.
Leonard said the subtle tones currently adorning the walls were a key factor in the building’s initial approval.
The location of the complex and the amount of lighting used were other issues considered by Saanich council when the theatre project was proposed in 1998.
The shopping centre is owned by Riokim Holdings and the theatre is run by Cineplex Entertainment. Leonard said officials involved can come back with a different application, perhaps after consultation with municipal staff and area residents.
Cineplex spokesman Mike Langdon said the company is already looking at other ideas.
“Council did ask us to take another look at the paint scheme that we had proposed for the building, and we’re quite happy to do that. So that’s actually what we’re in the process of doing now.”
Langdon said the company doesn’t have a history of concerns arising from its choice of outside colours.
The Gorge Tillicum Community Association is solidly behind council’s stand, said president Rob Wickson. He said having colours on the theatre that blend with its location is part of the building’s development permit.
Exterior colours were pretty much a non-issue for the Cineplex location at Westshore Town Centre, where it is also a standalone building but away from natural areas. Langford Coun. Denise Blackwell said the theatre is adjacent to a B.C. Hydro station that borders the centre, “so I think it’s quite good that it’s as visible as it is.”
The theatre has been operating since 2011.
