Earlier this week, the provincial government announced that it would invest $35 million to support the reconstruction of Niagara-on-the-Lake’s Royal George Theatre. The theatre is a key component of the Town’s Shaw Festival, one of the Niagara Region’s premier tourist attractions.
The funding announcement was made outside of the current Royal George Theatre on April 1. It was attended by local officials from all levels of government, as well as Ontario Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming Stan Cho.
“The Shaw Festival is a cultural icon for Ontario and Canada and is just one of the many great reasons to visit Niagara-on-the-Lake and the broader Niagara region throughout the year,” Cho remarked. “Our government’s investment will help create hundreds of good jobs, boost the local and regional economy and allow Ontarians to enjoy world-class performances right here at home.”
“I am pleased to see this investment from the Ontario government in the Shaw Festival,” said Niagara-on-the-Lake Lord Mayor Gary Zalepa. “The Shaw Festival is a cornerstone of Niagara-on-the-Lake’s character and a significant contributor to our tourism and economic success.”
The Shaw Festival welcomes over 300,000 people to enjoy its performances each year, which represents more than $250 million in economic activity.
The Shaw’s Executive Director, Tim Jennings, shared that the Royal George Theatre generates more than $70 million per year in “economic impact” for Niagara.
“Rebuilding this beloved venue has been a priority for us not just so we can continue to deliver outstanding theatre here in the heart of wine country, but to play our part in accelerating the growth of our region as a world-class centre for cultural tourism,” Jennings explained.
Plans for the new structure have been designed to honour the legacy of the current theatre, which will be shut down later this year, while also incorporating modern features. The ultimate goal is to create a world-class 21st-century theatre while preserving the heritage and feel of a rich 19th-century experience.
Key elements will include a larger seating capacity, extensive lounge areas, and a lobby which prioritizes accessibility. The cutting-edge building will also include up-to-date workstations and rehearsal locations.
Additional benefits of the new theatre will include the ability to create new and improved experiences for visitors, enhanced education opportunities and better community outreach programs. It is anticipated that more tourists will be tempted to book longer stays through these new opportunities.
The undertaking is projected to create approximately 550 new jobs while securing $80 million in Gross Domestic Product.
It is also expected that $29 million in government revenue will be produced through the construction process.
The funding announcement also comes at a time when attempts are being made to boost local tourism as U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs have rattled markets and created economic uncertainty. The effects of the trade war have been felt, in particular, by border communities such as Niagara.
“Hundreds of skilled workers are directly supported by the Shaw Festival, as well as thousands of spin-off jobs in the local tourism economy right across Niagara,” said Niagara West MPP Sam Oosterhoff. “This provincial investment shows the determination of our government to protect workers and jobs in our region and across the province.”
The funding will be distributed over three years. It is hoped that the new theatre will begin to serve locals and tourists alike by the end of the 2020s.
The 2025 Shaw Festival season will commence on Wednesday, April 9.
Nick Redekop completed his Honours Bachelor of Arts Degree in Labour Studies at Brock University. He has previously served in municipal and federal politics. In his free time, Nick enjoys following sports, taking part in outdoor activities, and reading biographies. Nick resides in Niagara Falls
