The Pumphouse Theatre got a financial boost Monday from a city committee in its $10.5-million expansion project. (Pumphouse Theatre)

An intense lobbying effort by Calgary's Pumphouse Theatre and its supporters paid off Monday as a city committee approved $2 million for the theatre's expansion.

Earlier this month, a tie vote by the same committee resulted in the rejection of the funding request. At the time, aldermen were unsure about the business plan and business model.

Since then, the theatre's staff met with key aldermen to go over the proposal and supporters sent letters urging the city committee to back the community theatre centre, and in turn, arts in Calgary.

In front of several theatre supporters on Monday, four aldermen — Diane Colley-Urquhart, Andre Chabot, Ric McIver and Jim Stevenson — who had earlier rejected the bid changed their support, allowing the committee to approve the money by a vote of 14 to one.

"Had I not had the business plan and all the information, I wouldn't have supported them at all," Colley-Urquhart, explaining her change of heart.

"Fourteen to one far exceeds our expectations," said Scott McTavish, the Pumphouse's executive director. "We're quite happy with council's decision today and it sends a strong message to the federal government that this is supported by Calgary and the citizens of Calgary."

Theatre still needs to raise $3.5M

The almost 100-year-old theatre needs to fix leaky roofs and a furnace held together with duct tape, as well as expand its current area, arguing that Calgary lacks small to mid-sized theatre spaces for performance and rehearsals.

The Pumphouse project is slated to cost a total of $10.5 million. The city gave the project $2 million in 2006, but the theatre was forced to ask for more after the provincial government pulled out of a $5-million commitment.

McTavish said with Monday's municipal money, the theatre can now apply for a federal grant for $3 million. The Pumphouse still has to raise the final $3.5 million; so far it's reached $325,000.

Ald. Joe Connelly opposed the bid because he said the city doesn't have the cash. He pointed out the Pumphouse has raised only about 10 per cent of its fundraising goal.

"People want politicians that'll stand behind their logic, stand their principles, and stand their ground, regardless of the pressures that will come," said Connelly, who is running for mayor.

"We're paid to make hard decisions. That's the bottom line and I don't think we made one today. I think we made the easy decision today."

With files from Scott Dippel