Ryan Turnbull, Member of Parliament for Whitby yesterday announced funding for the Township of Scugog’s historic Town Hall 1873 Theatre.
He said it will receive a total investment of $562,182 from all three levels of government, including $306,000 from the federal government’s Investing in Canada Program: Community, Culture and Recreation Stream!
Lindsey Park, Member of Provincial Parliament for Durham, also announced the “great news this morning in Port Perry!”
She said the Town Hall 1873 is receiving federal and provincial funds to renovate and restore this historic building including the bell tower.
The Board of Directors of Town Hall 1873 and the Township of Scugog said the project will include the restoration of the historic bell tower, renovations to the main floor spaces and installation of a fully accessible freight and passenger elevator to all levels of the theatre. Work for this project has already commenced and will continue into 2027.
The Government of Canada is investing more than $306,000 towards these projects and the Government of Ontario is supporting more than $255,000 – a combined government funding total of $562,182. As this grant is a cost-share program a capital fundraising campaign will be put into place to cover the remaining expenses by the Town Hall 1873 ICIP committee.
Bell Tower
“We are thrilled to confirm the restoration of the Bell Tower and to reunite it back onto the building – restoring the original, historic structure and appearance. The Bell Tower has been a landmark for Scugog since the building’s inception and a partnership with the Township of Scugog has been put into place for this monumental heritage project,” said Scugog Mayor Bobbie Drew.
Other projects include refurbishing the marquee for greater visibility, upgrading the audio equipment, renovating the kitchen to meet additional catering and rental opportunities, redesigning the green room for greater performer access and improving the Patrons’ Lounge to increase rental opportunities. Interior renovations will be completed over the next 3 to 4 years.
The final, major project will take place between 2026 and 2027 with a complete redesign of the current lift. A fully accessible multi-purpose elevator giving access to all levels of the building, including stage level, will be constructed.
This overall project will improve existing infrastructure and will benefit the community of Scugog by creating a fully accessible building for patrons and performers alike to allow the Town Hall Theatre to become a recognized destination performing arts venue.