Expansion & Accessibility Project at the Elora Centre for the Arts
The Addition! Coming Soon!
The Art Centre is at the threshold of an exciting new chapter, and we invite you to take the next step with us! As both our organization and the communities we serve grow, we need to address some of the physical constraints of our two galleries and classroom, to help break down barriers to participation in the arts. In recent years, we haven’t been able to meet community demand for our spaces. Our 1856 heritage schoolhouse lacks curb appeal and clear wayfinding for visitors. We can’t accommodate people with mobility constraints, including many who would participate in our outreach programming. But we have plans to address these challenges!
Addition Details
Coming soon! We will be transforming the Art Centre through the addition of a multi-use atrium that can host performances, exhibitions, community events and a variety of other functions, as well as a new kitchen and accessible washrooms. We’ll be improving environmental controls to protect the artwork in our galleries and adding historical displays to share our rich local history.
Stay tuned for updates and timing!
Community Benefits
- strengthen Elora as an arts community and tourist destination
- allow the Art Centre to meet existing demand for space and programs
- directly impact the lives of people from underserved groups
- continue the legacy of an Art Centre by and for the community, for generations to come
You are invited to be pART of the Possibility!
Phase 1: Exterior Landscaping and Accessibility, Wayfinding (Completed Fall 2023)
Phase 1 of the project included site preparation, drainage and landscaping. This included a new outdoor exhibition plaza, featuring metal banner frames containing artwork reproductions from artists and bench seating to allow people to congregate outdoors. The project also includes the reinstatement of formerly bricked-over windows on the main floor of the building, including 3 energy-rated windows that restore the original esthetic of the building. This project supports the creation of an Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) doors and door widening, accessible front entrance, new accessible parking and wayfinding.
This phase of the project was funded in part by the Government of Canada through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario).
Read the news release from the Government of Canada announcing Over 400 Canada Community Revitalization Fund projects boost community infrastructure across southern Ontario.
Read the news release from the Government of Canada announcing an investment of over $13 million to support tourism recovery in Kitchener-Waterloo, Guelph, Stratford and surrounding regions.
This phase of the project was funded in part by the Government of Canada Cultural Spaces Fund (Canadian Heritage)
The phase of the project was funded in part by the Ontario Trillium Foundation
Photos of work completed in Phase 1
