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Burlington Performing Arts Centre


Update Winter 2009
Burlington Performing Arts Centre remains on time, on budget

Steel goes up, concrete is poured, at the Locust Street construction site

The Burlington Performing Arts Centre (BPAC) is progressing on time and within budget, according to a staff report presented to council on Nov. 30. Steel structures are in place and walls are going up as construction continues through the fall and winter months at Locust and Elgin streets.

Work will soon be underway on the main auditorium and studio theatre walls as the BPAC begins to take shape.

“I am very pleased with the progress of the Burlington Performing Arts Centre as it stays on target, both financially and structurally,” said Keith Strong, chair of the newly-formed Burlington Theatre Board. “The facility, which is the product of public consultation, is a leading design. It will be Canada’s first stand-alone green theatre, and will welcome people of all levels of ability. It is destined to be the cultural centerpiece of our community.”

Over the next several months, the following construction is to be completed on the project site:

  • Site grading and backfilling works
  • Water main installation and sanitary sewer connections
  • Second phase hydro burial work
  • Basement floor pours
  • Erection of structural steel components
  • Construction of main auditorium walls and start of building cladding.

In addition, approvals are in place and the pedestrian bridge connection is set to begin construction in early 2010. Quality control is top of mind on the construction site.

“It is important to note that all critical building materials supplied for the project will undergo a quality assurance program during the construction of the BPAC,” said project manager Craig Stevens. “Ongoing construction work will also be subject to rigorous inspection to confirm that it meets project specifications.”

As construction is underway, the BPAC Fundraising Cabinet continues to be successful, securing $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.

An executive director for the centre is expected to be selected in early 2010. The executive director will develop a financial and programming plan for the opening season, create effective partnerships with arts and culture groups, the business community, sponsors, donors, and neighborhood residents, and lead the new organization through the final phases of construction and into its formal opening and first season.

BPAC Construction Photo 3


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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