The following letter was sent to Lord Mayor Gary Zalepa and members of town council. A copy was also sent to The Lake Report.

It is with utter disappointment that we have become aware of the magnitude of the proposed destruction and redevelopment of the Royal George Theatre.

The “Trump-hotel-esque” façade and fly tower of expansion loom over the heritage district. The zoning change on a residential street and the loss of three unique homes on Victoria Street accommodate parking and access to the mechanicals at the back of the theatre. This contributes to the creeping visual destruction of our town.

It would seem that the cancer which is destroying the uniqueness and small-town feel of Niagara-on-the-Lake is now coming from within. It is the misguided vision of those who fail to embrace the overall preservation of our town.

Through local newspaper editorials and letters regarding the proposal, it would seem that money buys decisions to fulfill the wishes and visions of a few.

It allows them to adopt the Trump-bullying posture to direct staff and supporters to express their agreement with this plan.

Thirty-five million dollars can (and should) result in architectural design that complements and enhances the existing streetscape. It should also be subordinate to the already-present heritage features.

This outrageous proposal by a community facility does not speak to whether or not residents support the theatre industry. The community does support and appreciate theatre.

While the Shaw Festival has been a part of our community for some 50-plus years, it could have chosen to situate in any area in the Niagara region.

In our opinion, the theatre and early founders such as Brian Doherty chose the town of Niagara-on-the-Lake because of its unique charm, its ambience, its magic and a main street that had maintained its functioning commercial use within the restored, rehabilitated and preserved village atmosphere. The theatre was welcomed by the community to house their “business” in NOTL.

Now the theatre is considering the destruction of our heritage district to accommodate their misguided vision. And that it is even being considered by our elected officials!

There is no need for the proposed accessory cafés, restaurant or community areas within the proposed development. We already have many excellent facilities that, for many years, have been the tourism draw, creating what has been a beneficial symbiotic relationship among existing businesses.

The concept to replace or repair the theatre’s deficient structural problems and provide accessibility does not require the expansion as proposed.

We respectfully request this council’s review of the proposal and to work with the theatre and not issue a heritage demolition permit for the development as proposed.

It is also easy to imagine, if approved, that such an oversized “factory” will lead to requests for special permission for additional bus drop-offs at the front door for patrons. It will bring increased commercial traffic to service its needs. It will require increased parking for the additional staff required to operate.

All of this will come at the expense of the historic ambience and lack of stewardship responsibility to maintain one of Canada’s most unique communities.

It will endanger its significant early history and show a lack of respect for those who have fought for its continued preservation.

Thank you in advance for your deliberations and considerations.

Jim and Erika Alexander 
Old Town