February 13, 2007
Caroline Grech, Staff Writer, The Liberal

$2 million boost for theatre project

RICHMOND HILL - The Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts got one step closer to reality over the weekend, with a funding boost from Ottawa.
The federal government dropped by with a $2 million present for the $25 million theatre, which is expected to be finished in September 2008.

Richmond Hill Mayor Dave Barrow hopes this won't be the last of funding from upper tiers of government.

"We're very, very pleased," he said. "We're hoping this will get the province's attention."

The town has had an application for funding with provincial officials for some time and is still awaiting a response.

The federal money came under the Cultural Spaces Canada program from the Department of Canadian Heritage.

The program supports projects that increase access for Canadians to performing, visual and media arts and to museum collections, heritage displays and exhibitions.

The 600-seat theatre, at the corner of Yonge and Wright streets, will also house a 150-seat black box theatre or cabaret space.

The facility was designed by Diamond and Schmitt Architects, who also designed the Toronto opera house.

The stage will feature an orchestral pit and a fly tower for hoisting scenery.

There are big plans for the theatre, Mr. Barrow said, adding it isn't only national acts the town wants to attract, but acts that showcase Richmond Hill's cultural diversity.

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