Million Dollar Donation to Cornwall Arts Centre Unveiled at Gala, Honors Stewart Family Legacy

The City of Cornwall was pleased to announce a significant financial donation at the annual Cornwall Arts Hall of Fame Gala on Saturday, November 1st, 2025. Former resident Barbara Stewart Etherington and husband Bill Etherington have made a one-million dollar ($1,000,000) commitment in support of the new Arts Centre in addition to the $100,000 previously donated. The pledge, payable over five years, provides critical momentum for the ongoing construction project and pays tribute to the deep, multi-generational roots of the Stewart family in the city.

Barbara moved to Toronto in the 1960s with her best Cornwall girlfriends Isabelle (Farlinger) McCuaig, Judy (Coleman) Yamada and Margaret-Ann (Fennell) Boyd who are still friends to this day.

Her family’s connection to Cornwall remains profound. She is the daughter of Dina and John Stewart and her grandfather, Dr. Charles Stewart, notably served as the City Coroner. Her older sister, Beverley Stewart taught at Cornwall Memorial Public School before moving to teach high school in Ottawa. Her younger sister, Elizabeth Stewart, recently retired as an Ontario Superior Court Judge. Her Aunt Mary Stewart and cousin Charlie Stewart were both teachers at CCVS.

Barbara explained that the inspiration for her gift were her long time close Cornwall friendships and the many enjoyable hours spent in theatres and arts centres with her sisters over the years.

The large financial commitment recognizes the enduring importance of arts and culture in fostering community and quality of life. This gift aligns with the City of Cornwall’s commitment to advancing community connections and driving future economic development initiatives. The journey to establish this new cultural hub has been a multi-year, community-driven effort, culminating in the current construction phase aimed at transforming the former downtown Bank of Montreal building. This generous donation moves the project significantly closer to completion, ensuring the new Centre will be a vibrant space for creativity and performance for future generations of Cornwall residents.

“”The City of Cornwall is eternally grateful to Barbara and Bill Etherington for their support of our new Arts Centre,” said Mayor Justin Towndale. “This generous donation significantly enhances the arts and culture of our community and ensure that future generations will have access to these resources.”

The City of Cornwall thanks the community and its partners for their ongoing support as this landmark project moves closer to completion. Residents can also follow the Centre’s progress by visiting the City’s website: Arts and Culture Centre.

The Cornwall Arts Centre is a visionary project aimed at providing a home for the arts and culture in Cornwall. It will serve as a hub for artistic expression, community gatherings, and cultural events, enriching the lives of residents and attracting visitors to the downtown core.