 The Old Strathcona Foundation was running a major deficit by 1996 , and in April Edmonton City Council declined to renew a $ 100 @,@ 000 annual grant which the Foundation had received since 1985 . The Foundation needed cash , and quickly sold the theatre for $ 450 @,@ 000 to Calgary ’ s Brar family , owners of the Plaza Theatre in that city . The decision was not popular , and even Old Strathcona Foundation member Judy <unk> called the sale hasty . 
