January 2, 2007
The Liberal

Arts centre centre stage as year turns

Richmond Hill - Not only the mayor changed in Richmond Hill this year.

While long-time deputy mayor Dave Barrow has taken over the reigns at the town's offices, there is also huge change at the corner of Yonge and Wright streets in the form of a $25 million performing arts centre.

The Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts was approved by politicians in the spring and will be the biggest project the town oversees in 2007.

The centre includes a 600-seat theatre, 154-seat rehearsal studio and restored Richmond Hill high school. The stage will feature an orchestra pit and a fly tower for hoisting stage scenery. It is slated to open in the fall of 2008.

Plans are also calling for:

· Restoring the old town hall;

· a civic square where people can gather and host events;

· a lobby with gallery space for artists to display works;

· private meeting space;

· concession and catering facilities;

· retail/merchandising space;

· office and storage space and;

· 275 parking spots.

If Mr. Barrow has his way, however, there will be more changes to come over the next few years including moving the town hall back to the downtown area.

While the initiative is close to Mr. Barrow's heart, he warned it is not the first item on a busy agenda.

"We need to get through the budget and a new official plan first," Mr. Barrow said, adding then the costs and details of moving the town hall can be investigated.

During the November election campaign, Mr. Barrow stressed the need for a new official plan. It hasn't been updated in more than 20 years.

"New residential growth needs to be manageable and respectful of existing neighbourhoods and their unique character. Sprawl must be discouraged and contained," he said.

"We need to see a better mix of uses (retail, commercial, leisure, institutional and residential). It's starting to happen. We can't just keep getting into our car for a quart of milk."

Traffic problems are also high on the list of issues that need to be solved for Richmond Hill residents. While Viva has become a staple of public transit in town, the second phase of designated bus lanes is still waiting for funding from the federal government.

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