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Burlington Performing Arts Centre


Update Summer 2010

Construction on the Burlington Performing Arts Centre (BPAC) continues on time and within the council approved budget. Construction of the main stage auditorium walls was completed in June along with the required steel structure in the main stage auditorium. Construction of the balcony and box seating has started. The structural component of the roof of the building has also been completed. Inside construction continues with the pouring of concrete slab floors and creation of block partition walls.

The project remains on track to become LEED (Leadership in energy and environmental design) certified and to become the first stand alone LEED performing arts centre in Ontario

Topping off ceremony hosted by Bird Construction

On June 25, Bird Construction hosted a topping off ceremony at the construction site to celebrate the completion of the roof on BPAC. The cornerstone of the building was unveiled by members of the construction team and City Council. Invited guests and donors were also treated to a barbecue and allowed to walk the construction site to see the progression of the building.

More Information

The centre is designed by Diamond + Schmitt Architects Inc. and will feature a 730-seat main stage theatre, a 225-seat studio theatre, atrium space and an event patio. It will also include a six-storey fly tower allowing Burlington to host a wide variety of productions.

For inquires about the project or to make a donation please contact the City of Burlington at 905-681-6000 or e-mail bpac@burlington.ca.

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cornerstone

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theatre


Update Spring 2010

Construction of the Burlington Performance Art Centre (BPAC) remains on time and on budget according to a staff report presented to City Council on May 3, 2010.

The centre is now truly beginning to take shape as work continues on the structure with both concrete walls and steel support structures now together on the site. Large concrete walls have been constructed for the auditorium and stage. Burlington Hydro has also energized an electricity pad mounted transformer supplying power to the construction site. Throughout the spring months, mechanical, electrical and wall construction continues. Construction has also started on the Pedestrian Bridge Link to the 414 Locust St. parking garage. The bridge will link the parking garage to the BPAC allowing convenient access to the centre. The building is expected to be fully closed in by the end of the year.

The project remains on track to become LEED (Leadership in energy and environmental design) certified and to become the first stand alone LEED performing arts centre in Ontario.

First Executive Director Announced

Brenda Heatherington was recently announced as the first executive director for the Burlington Performing Arts Centre. She will begin in her role in May 2010. Heatherington comes from the Arden Theatre in Alberta where she oversaw the direction of the theatre since 1992. She was also the program director of the Northern Alberta International Children’s Festival in St. Albert for 13 years.

Heatherington has served as vice-president of the Canadian Arts Presenting Association, and is a member of the Arts Touring Alliance of Alberta, the Western Arts Alliance, and the International Association of Performing Arts for Young Audiences. She is also past chair of the Canadian Children’s Festival Association.

Site Tour

On April 9, 2010 a tour was held for the public to get an inside look into the construction process. Although the structure was not fully completed, those on the tour were able to gain a sense of the size of the new facility. More than 250 people visited and toured the construction site.

BPAC Spring 2010

BPAC Spring 2010

BPAC Spring 2010

BPAC Spring 2010


Burlington Teen Tour Band Boosters contribute $25,000 to performing arts centre

Burlington Teen Tour Band Boosters contribute $25,000 to performing arts centre

BURLINGTON, ON – The Burlington Teen Tour Band Boosters today presented the Burlington Performing Arts Centre with a cheque for $25,000 toward the building under construction at Locust and Elgin streets in downtown Burlington.

The Burlington Performing Arts Centre is being designed by Diamond + Schmitt Architects Inc. and will feature a 730-seat main stage theatre, a 225-seat studio theatre, atrium space and an event patio when it opens in 2011. It will also include a six-storey fly tower allowing Burlington to host a wide variety of productions.

“We are thrilled to have the support of the Burlington Teen Tour Band Boosters, and we welcome the day when the band can perform right here at home in our world-class Burlington Performing Arts Centre,” said Keith Strong, chair of the Burlington Theatre Board. “It is this kind of grassroots community effort that will continue to make our fundraising a success.”

The BPAC Fundraising Cabinet has secured $9.5 million of its $11-million goal to date. The cabinet is working toward the goal with renewed effort and is:

  • Securing sponsors for the community studio theatre
  • Offering naming rights for 730 seats in the main auditorium
  • Securing sponsors for last few remaining naming opportunities
  • Continuing Keys to the Future, a fundraising campaign to purchase a grand piano.

The Burlington Performing Arts Centre will be located near Spencer Smith Park, home of Canada’s largest Ribfest and the Sound of Music festival, two top Ontario festivals. The centre will include a publicly-accessible pedestrian bridge that will link the Burlington Performing Arts Centre with the neighbouring parking garage, located at 414 Locust St. The building will be LEED-certified (leadership in energy and environmental design), and is destined to be Ontario's first stand-alone green performing arts centre.


More Information

For inquires about the project or to make a donation please contact the City of Burlington at 905-335-7600 ext. 7484 or e-mail bpac@burlington.ca.

The centre is being designed by Diamond + Schmitt Architects Inc. and will feature a 730-seat main stage theatre, a 225-seat studio theatre, atrium space and an event patio. It will also include a six-storey fly tower allowing Burlington to host a wide variety of productions. In spring 2009, city staff will be presenting the city’s Community Development Committee with a proposed design and budget for a publicly-accessible, pedestrian bridge that will link the Burlington Performing Arts Centre with the neighbouring parking garage, located at 414 Locust St.

BPAC North East Perspective
Click here to download an illustration of the Burlington Performing Arts Centre

News
City chose brick based on architect’s recommendation, purchasing policy
(August 13, 2009)
City, community partners, break ground on the Burlington Performing Arts Centre
(March 27, 2009)
Construction of Performing Arts Centre to begin March 2009 (February 25, 2009)
The Government of Canada Supports Burlington Performing Arts Centre
Community and Corporate Services Committee Presentation - February 19, 2008
Burlington Performing Arts Centre - Conceptual Design Options (DI 01-08, Feb. 19, 2008)
Burlington Performing Arts Centre - Diamond and Schmitt Architects ( "DSAI") Schematic Design Report
Diamond + Schmitt to Design Burlington’s Performing Arts Centre (Oct. 5, 2007)
City Council approves preferred site for Burlington Performing Arts Centre (Oct. 18, 2005)
Burlington Performing Arts Centre receives Council approval to take next steps (Feb. 2, 2005)
Previous Updates
Reports
Report PR 56/05                                     
Report (PR 09/05)
Burlington Performing Arts Centre Donations
Links
Performing Arts Burlington                              
Burlington Performing Arts Centre website
Frequently Asked Questions / Background Information
Burlington Performing Art Centre Background
Burlington Performing Arts Centre - Frequently Asked Questions

Burlington Performing Arts Centre Economic Benefits - Frequently Asked Questions

 



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