Construction could start after 2026 season

Heather Wright/The Independent

Part of a $3.7 million addition to Victoria Hall for elevators and washrooms could move ahead this fall.

That after Petrolia council set aside $500,000 for the project Monday.

In 2023, council gave Victoria Playhouse Petrolia approval to begin fundraising for two additions – one on the north side will include an elevator to the balcony and 10 new washrooms on multiple levels, the other on the south side of the building is for an elevator for staff to carry equipment to the stage area. It would also allow performers with disabilities to access the stage.

At the time, it was agreed the cost of the project would be covered by fundraising and grants from upper levels of government.

March 23, Laurissa Ellsworth, director of marketing, arts and communications, said there is $1 million set aside from VPP revenues and another $685,000 has been raised in the community.

Ellsworth says grant applications have been sent to federal and provincial governments, local industries and foundations, particularly those which encourage accessibility. “I feel like I’m just knocking on every door,” she says.

But the responses to the grant applications have taken longer than expected. Ellsworth, in a report to council, said “Staff have identified the opportunity to phase the project to first complete the public-facing portion of the project that includes the washrooms and public elevator and then complete the freight elevator as funding and support continues.”

The town’s cash “will at least put enough money in the bank to get us over the halfway mark so we can get going,” she said.

Ellsworth told The Independent after Monday’s council meeting the intention is not to use the $500,000.

“If we obtain the grant money that we’ve applied for, we’ll never ask for it. But at this place that we’re at right now – just under that $2 million mark – it would help put us over that $2 million, so we have… I have a good sense that we can keep going.”

Councillor Chad Hyatt asked why the request for $500,000 or an eighth of the cost of the project, was not part of the recently approved 2026 budget.

Ellsworth replied the town anticipated hearing the results of grant applications sooner.

“If we have to wait too long to go to tender and obtain those results, we won’t be able to start in the winter when we need to, so that we will affect the 2027 season negatively.”

Ellsworth says patrons with mobility issues are sometimes forced to buy the last remaining tickets in the balcony and have trouble making it to their seats.

“It’s unfortunate, because they’re not enjoying themselves. They’re calculating if they have time to use the washroom. If they should have that drink because they need to use the washroom. They can get upstairs in time, and that’s just not part of the experience we want them to have.”

With the approval from council of $500,000 or an eighth of the project cost, Ellsworth says the intention is to break ground on the public elevator and washrooms on the north side of the building after the completion of the 2026 season.

She’s hopeful more people will consider donating to the project once the actual construction begins.