The Windsor Symphony Orchestra is explaining and defending its sudden decision to evict Bike Windsor-Essex from the Capital Theatre.
The cycling group has been calling space in the downtown theatre home but last week received notice that they must be out by the end of August.
The space is city owned but managed by W.S.O..
Executive Director of the Windsor Symphony Orchestra, Sheila Wisdom, says a couple of opportunities have come across the desk of the W.S.O. for potential partners interested in a space in the Capital Theatre that is approximately the size that Bike Windsor-Essex occupies.
Wisdom says we have a responsibility as the contract manager of the Capital Theatre to maximize this building as an arts and cultural asset. We looked and made a decision because it's the only space available in the building.
She says there were some health and safety concerns raised because of the number of people Bike Windsor -Essex had in the building at times.
Wisdom explains that timing played a part because they had to act quickly to exercise the three month notice in the lease agreement.
"In the notice to Bike Windsor-Essex, certainly said 'I'm sorry, I'm out of town. I will be back in a couple of days and would be happy to meet with you.' I came back and contact them to set up a meeting. Bike Windsor-Essex was not available and we find ourselves in the unfortunate position of explaining ourselves in the media."
Wisdom adds Bike Windsor-Essex has become very successful but the group has outgrown the space and a recent city inspection found there were health and safety issues.
-- with files from AM800's Peter Langille --