Susan St Amand
Special to Niagara Now/The Lake Report
There are important moments when a community must decide not only what to build, but how — and with whom. Niagara-on-the-Lake is in one of those moments.
The discussion of about 176 Wellington has raised questions regarding the James A Burton & Family Foundation’s intent and motive. That is fair. Scrutiny is both welcomed and expected.
We want to clarify our intentions and provide some relevant historical context.
Between April 2025 and March 2026, the James A. Burton & Family Foundation committed several million dollars across Canada. We direct our funding to the many organizations and institutions that shape daily life — education, arts and culture, health, youth services, housing, environment and Indigenous-led initiatives.
At the national level, the foundation supports the Family Enterprise Foundation and Family Enterprise Canada in promoting research and enhancing public understanding of the economic, social and philanthropic influence of family businesses in Canada.
In Calgary, the foundation contributed funds to support cSPACE, transforming historic buildings into shared cultural spaces for long-term public use, in a financially sustainable model.
This approach is grounded in experience. Jim Burton helped build Arts Umbrella in Vancouver into one of Canada’s leading youth arts institutions. That same principle guides the foundation today, which is to expand access, develop talent and create places where people can grow.
In Niagara-on-the-Lake, JABFF’s support is tangible.
The foundation has long supported Royal Oak Community School, helping to provide an accessible and excellent educational experience that is affordable for every family in Niagara. Continued support for the school sustains an educational approach based on personalized learning and strong community connections.
Located in the former hospital at 176 Wellington, the school demonstrates how this site continues to serve families in meaningful ways. The foundation’s ongoing support helps ensure that Royal Oak remains a place where all families in Niagara can access quality education.
The foundation’s multi-year investment in the Shaw Festival goes beyond the stage. It allows professional actors and theatre practitioners to engage directly with residents through school programs, improvisation training and hands-on production. The Burton Centre for Lifelong Creativity builds on this by providing space for people of all ages to develop their creative skills, regardless of experience.
The foundation also supports the Niagara Academy for Indigenous Relations, promoting education and cultural understanding rooted in Indigenous knowledge.
Across the region, the foundation invests in a diverse cultural ecosystem. It supports the Yellow Door Theatre Project for emerging performers, the Niagara Jazz Festival to expand public access to music, and, recently, the First Ontario Performing Arts Centre to improve understanding of climate change and the environment.
The foundation’s work also addresses the conditions that allow people of all ages to participate fully in community life.
The foundation supports Red Roof Retreat, providing inclusive programming for children and young adults with special needs.
In Orillia, Jim Burton’s hometown, the foundation led a $14.5 million project to expand housing and integrated supports for at-risk and homeless people at the Lighthouse.
In Hamilton, the foundation funds ReCreate, which provides creative pathways for youth facing mental health challenges, and HAMSMaRT, addressing barriers to care for homeless individuals. The foundation also supports Home Horizon, Wayside House, Alternatives for Youth in Hamilton, as well as Big Brothers Big Sisters in Simcoe County.
The approach remains consistent. The foundation offers multi-year funding for stability, leverages matching contributions to attract further support, and invests in building capacity that communities can maintain.
That is the context for 176 Wellington.
The foundation is prepared to work with NOTL to invest capital, planning and partnerships to support a community-serving future for the site. The building would remain publicly owned and benefit from long-term revenues to the Community Health and Well-Being Reserve.
The foundation is interest in 176 Wellington results from three years of stakeholder engagement, surveys and direct community input. The findings match the town’s consultation led by NPG Planning Solutions Inc., which cited strong support for a community-focused use centred on education, arts and shared public space.
The foundation would not be pursuing this project without that clear direction from the community and encouragement from community leaders.
The foundation’s work has always been guided by a simple idea: answer a good call, invest in people, strengthen community institutions and leave something meaningful behind.
That is what is being offered here — an opportunity to create something that reflects the values of all parts of Niagara-on-the-Lake and serves it for generations to come. Nothing more.
Susan St Amand is president and chief executive officer of the James A. Burton & Family Foundation.
