Ontario Government Grant Breathes New Life into Cornwall’s Aultsville Theatre

Excitement filled the air on Friday as local MPP Nolan Quinn visited Aultsville Theatre to celebrate a significant milestone for the community. Thanks to a $149,700 Capital grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF), the theatre is set to revolutionize its audience experience with cutting-edge technical equipment.

The grant, part of the provincial government’s commitment to enriching community spaces, has funded the Projection and Film Project at Aultsville Theatre. This project involves the acquisition of a high-quality film projector, a custom film screen, advanced camera equipment for lobby video integration, and other supporting gear. These upgrades are designed to elevate the guest experience at all performances and reintroduce independent film screenings to the theatre.

MPP Nolan Quinn emphasized the impact of this investment, stating, “Our government’s investment will allow the theatre to acquire state-of-the-art technical equipment, enabling it to continue providing audiences with remarkable experiences. This investment will also make the theatre more self-sufficient and open up new revenue streams.”

The return of the much-loved Aultsville Film Festival, scheduled for January 2025, is a particularly thrilling aspect of this development. The festival had been a major fundraiser for the theatre but faced challenges when the equipment used for hosting the festival was reclaimed during the pandemic. With the new equipment, the festival is poised to become a staple once again, boosting the theatre’s financial health and community engagement.

Brittney Waldroff, General Manager of Aultsville Theatre, expressed her excitement: “We are thrilled to see this investment by The Ontario Trillium Foundation in Aultsville Theatre. This not only meets the needs of our local and touring clients but also introduces a new revenue source that will allow us to invest in our theatre for years to come.”

Aultsville Theatre, known for its professional community theatre and as a roadhouse, has been a cultural hub in Cornwall since 1976. Located on the scenic St. Lawrence College Cornwall campus, the 680-seat venue hosts a diverse range of performances from local talent to world-class touring artists, ensuring an exceptional experience for all.

Neil Lumsden, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport, highlighted the importance of such grants: “Non-profit organizations across Ontario deliver programming that makes a difference. That’s why funding through the OTF is so crucial. Our government aims to ensure that these programs and spaces remain the heart of communities across our province.”

The Ontario Trillium Foundation is dedicated to building healthy and vibrant communities across Ontario. Last year alone, the OTF invested over $110 million into 1,044 community projects and multi-sector partnerships, enhancing economic well-being, promoting active lifestyles, supporting youth development, fostering community connections, and contributing to environmental sustainability.

For more information about the Ontario Trillium Foundation and its initiatives, visit otf.ca.