There will be no tinkling of the ivories in Port Moody city hall - at least in the near future - after council voted to put off any decisions on budgeting for storage for a baby grand.
Several councillors expressed concerns that the city was putting the "cart before the horse" by considering a proposal to put $40,000 in the 2015-19 budget plan when there is no piano.
However, it was also noted that a community fundraising effort to purchase a baby grand for recitals and concerts can't start until a storage plan is finalized.
According to a report prepared for Tuesday's council meeting, a piano could be suspended from the ceiling above the stage at Inlet Theatre, and raised and lowered by a single staff member. The cost would be $40,000 for installation, including a sizeable contingency, but ongoing costs would be affordable for users.
Council voted to receive the report, leaving open the possibility of reconsidering the cost item if the community gifts the city with a piano.
Manager of cultural serviced Devin Jain pointed out that the city could generate revenue from concerts if a piano was available.
