Dear friends and supporters,
Thank you for stepping forward to help save Hermann’s. Your generosity has made the work so far possible, and we want to give you a clear update on how your donations have been used and the unexpected challenges we have encountered.
Where your donations went
From April 29 to October 16, 2026, our revised fundraiser spending record shows $490,763 spent, as follows:
| CRA obligations | $163,138 |
| Historical expense debts | $45,109 |
| Employment standards case lost to past Executive Director | $58,987 |
| Archival bookkeeping | $9,214 |
| Ongoing operating costs | $70,642 |
| Renovations and equipment | $143,673 |
| Total | $490,763 |
The severance payment was required after we lost an employment standards case with the past executive director.
Renovation spending included construction, design and planning, kitchen equipment, draught equipment, electrical and refrigeration work, carpet, speakers, junk removal, and staff labour related to the renovations.
Saving Hermann’s has meant addressing past financial obligations while also funding improvements and meeting continuing expenses. We want to be transparent about those costs so you can see how your contributions have been used.
An unexpected challenge
During the renovations, we encountered work involving the concrete floor and pillars that we had not expected to undertake. While the landlord helped with the costs that project took two extra months to complete.
Even while closed for renovations, our ongoing operating costs, including rent, hydro, water, software, insurance, staffing, and various contracts, range from $35,000 to $50,000 per month. The two additional months required for the unexpected floor and pillars work therefore added approximately $70,000 to $100,000 in additional operating expenses. Those costs used funds we had expected to put toward finishing the project and created the shortfall we now face.
Helping us finish
We promised to be transparent with you, through both progress and setbacks, and we intend to honour that promise. We now need another $70,000 to $100,000 to complete the project.
We know we are asking again after you have already given generously. We are grateful for everything you have contributed, and we wanted you to understand what brought us to this point before asking for further support.
If you are able to give again, your contribution will help us finish the work. Sharing this appeal with friends, fellow music lovers, and others who care about Hermann’s would also make a difference.
Thank you for standing with Hermann’s and helping preserve a place that means so much to our community.
With gratitude,
AL Smith
Board Chair
Acting Executive Director
Arts on View Society