Montreal theatre forced to close after rainfall causes water damage

An English-language arts theatre in Montreal is calling on the community for help as the company was forced to close on Wednesday after rainfall caused significant water damage to the building.

All programming and activities have been cancelled for the foreseeable future at the MainLine Theatre and the company says it is unsure when the building will reopen.

“I remember walking up the stairs and like immediately smelling the flood,” said Amy Blackmore, the executive director of MainLine Theatre and the Montreal Fringe Festival.

Blackmore was on vacation when she was made aware of the situation at MainLine Theatre. On Monday, she got to see the damages in person.

“An employee called and said Amy there’s water coming in through the ceiling, I said ‘Oh just grab a bucket it’ll be okay’ and he’s like no, no we need 40 buckets, it’s that bad,” said Blackmore.

The damages extended to the MiniMain Studio, the lobby, offices, the hallway, as well as ceilings, fixtures, administrative paperwork, among many more.

The MainSpace, one of the larger spaces in the theatre, was not damaged.

Jimmy Karamanis was one of two staff members who were inside the theatre when the water started to seep through.

“I just called who I thought I should and he acted quick enough but there’s only so much you can do. It’s water. It’s a storm,” said Karamanis.

The MainLine Theatre produces the Montreal Fringe Festival which wrapped up last month, according to the group, it was a record-breaking year with ticket sales and revenue earned by the artists.

“The momentum we had from that festival is now going to be halted with this situation we need to deal with,” said Kenny Streule, the artistic producer at the theatre.

The group set up an online fundraiser, originally to make up for losses the theatre suffered from the pandemic, but now some of that money will be going towards rebuilding the theatre.

“Seeing the amount of money come in so quickly has been so uplifting. It’s a little emotional too sometimes to see that love,” said Blackmore.  

Blackmore tells CityNews that the insurance company will be coming on Tuesday to asses the situation.

The reason for the flooding is still unknown.

“We want to be open early September it would be great,” said Blackmore.