Canada and Ontario are funding two renovation projects at the 40-year-old Centre In The Square theatre, in downtown Kitchener.
The Government of Canada is investing more than $1.7 million in these projects through the Community, Culture and Recreation Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada plan. The Government of Ontario is contributing more than $1.4 million, with the City of Kitchener providing over $800,000, and Centre In The Square contributing over $360,000.
The first project will renovate 12 theatre washrooms, replacing fixtures, plumbing, ventilation and electrical components, and adding automatic door openers and handrails.
“For decades, the Centre In The Square has played a leading role in showcasing the performing arts and has greatly contributed to our region. These investments will improve accessibility and ensure the state-of-the-art theatre is enjoyed for years to come,” said Amy Fee, Kitchener South-Hespeler MPP.
The second project includes the replacement and reconfiguration of almost 1,900 theatre seats to allow for more accessible seating and to improve access to the main lobby. The lifts used to remove and store theatre seats in the orchestra pit will also be replaced or refurbished.
Upgrades will improve accessibility of the Centre In The Square theatre for nearly 150,000 yearly visitors, and reduce annual maintenance costs.
Over the next 10 years, the Government of Ontario is investing approximately $320 million across the province and the federal government is investing approximately $407 million in Ontario under the Community, Culture and Recreation Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program.
“Investing in community, culture, and recreational infrastructure is essential to creating communities where families want to live, work and raise their children,” said Raj Saini, Kitchener Centre MP. “The accessibility upgrades to the Centre In The Square, the region’s largest and busiest performing arts centre, will encourage participation in cultural activities and allow for all residents to enjoy concerts and performances comfortably.”