On the heels of PC leader Doug Ford’s campaign announcement of a $35-million grant for the Shaw Festival Theatre if his government is re-elected, some questions have been raised about exactly how the money would be used.
Ford mentioned the investment in passing during a campaign stop in Niagara-on-the-Lake last Saturday.
In response to a question from The Lake Report, he said, “I was just told we gave $30-$35 million for a theatre” but he didn’t offer any details.
The Progressive Conservative party subsequently confirmed the grant would be contingent on the Tories winning the election.
After 110 years, the Shaw’s Royal George Theatre, on Queen Street, is in critical need of repairs, but it’s uncertain if the full $35-million investment would go to that theatre alone or be to support all of the Shaw’s operations.
Built with clay “speed” tile for temporary use during the First World War, the structure was only meant to last about 25 years and was used for lectures and entertainment for officers’ training, according to the Shaw’s website.
Over time, water seepage has weakened the foundation, Tim Jennings, executive director of the company, said in an interview.
The Royal George, which will close at the end of this year, brings in about $70 million annually to the town’s main street, so he said its closure would impact the whole area.
That’s a big reason why the festival wants to rebuild the theatre and has been asking federal and provincial governments for money and seeking support from other donors.
The reconstruction of the Royal George would not only save the building but would add modern features like accessible washrooms and elevators, Jennings said.
Right now, he said, people have to leave the theatre and go down an alley to find accessible washrooms.
“That’s not OK. That has to go. That has to get fixed.”
Jennings said repairing or replacing arts facilities, which are as complex as hospitals in design, requires significant investment.
The NDP’s Wayne Gates, who is seeking re-election as MPP for Niagara Falls riding (which includes NOTL), wants the full $35 million to be invested into the Royal George rebuild.
The Shaw community has already raised $40 million for the project.
Gates felt Ford’s announcement was unclear, since government funding can’t be allocated until after an election.
“It’s disappointing that the premier didn’t even know the name of the theatre,” he added.
Lord Mayor Gary Zalepa also has been advocating for government funding for the Royal George.
“It’s amazing news. It’s something that myself and the deputy lord mayor have been working on for many, many hours these past two years,” Zalepa said.
He said such an investment in the Royal George would create more than 850 new jobs and an estimated growth of over $80 million for the town.
“That’s significant for this economy,” he said.
Zalepa and Coun. Erwin Wiens made calls, wrote letters and had in-person meetings to try to secure funding for the theatre. At a fundraiser last month, Zalepa spoke with Ford and minister of tourism.
“It’s a massive opportunity for the town — to really cement the Shaw Festival as that cornerstone in the town’s cultural tourism strategy,” he said.
The festival generates nearly $300 million annually in tourism-related activity, according to Jennings. It operates on a $40 million annual budget, with less than 5 per cent of that coming from government funding, he said.
“We significantly fundraise,” he said. “When we have to repair or replace things, we do, then, look to the government to help us in a public-private partnership model.”
The Shaw also owns another building for rehearsals, set construction and storage. Depending on funding and permits, the site plan may expand to include that building, he said.
Since the Shaw took over the Royal George in 1981, it has helped shape the town’s identity and draw visitors — who then support nearby businesses, restaurants and wineries, Jennings added.
“We’re now one of Niagara’s 20 largest employers,” he said. “We’re the third-largest producing theatre in North America.”
Rebuilding the Royal George isn’t just about saving a building — it’s about securing the future of the Shaw Festival and what it adds to the town’s culture, Jennings said.
