It looks like Whitehorse could be in for another decade of theatre, comedy, photo and art exhibits inside 27 14th Ave.

That became evident Monday evening after city council approved the first two readings on a new lease for the Guild Hall.

The Guild presents theatre performances throughout the fall and winter season, and recently ventured into stand-up comedy and other stage shows like magic and hypnotism. There is also usually an art or photo exhibit on display inside the building's OR room.

As planning manager Pat Ross stated in an earlier report to council: "The Guild Hall Society membership typically fluctuates between 300 and 1,500 members and volunteers, depending on the year and number and size of annual productions.

"The primary mandate of the Guild Hall Society is to produce three to four plays a season between September and May, with a focus on producing high-quality community theatre involving local amateur producers, actors, musicians and crew.”

Since the last 10-year lease ended in February 2014, the city and society have been running on a month-to-month agreement until a more long-term deal could be reached.

Under the proposed agreement, the lease would be seen to have taken effect March 1 and would end Feb. 29, 2024.

"The lease has been drafted for a $10 annual rental amount for the term of the lease, which is the current standard lease rate being applied to non-profit societies entering into net-net leases with the city,” Ross said.

"As such, the Guild Hall Society will be expected to bear all other costs associated with the operation and maintenance of the leased area.”

The entire area is 0.544 ha for the 14th Ave. property, which includes a parking lot on one side as well as treed areas on the other side and behind the building.

Ross explained under earlier questioning from council the extra land around the building was included in the original 1991 lease because the city and Guild had to provide parking and space for septic services.

While the building is now serviced by the city's utilities, Ross pointed out the area functions as a buffer next to new residential properties in the neighbourhood.

As with all city leases, the Guild would be required to carry a minimum $2 million liability insurance and would be responsible for property taxes and water/sewer bills for the property.

The Guild has received grants in lieu of taxes from the city in previous years to cover the property taxes.

Third reading of the bylaw for the lease will come forward at council's May 26 meeting.

Coun. Jocelyn Curteanu was absent from Monday's meeting as she was out of town on business.