Ontario Investing in the Future of the Shaw Festival
$35 million investment to rebuild the Royal George Theatre will boost Niagara tourism and support Canadian culture
NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE — The Ontario government is investing $35 million over three years to support the Shaw Festival’s rebuild of the iconic Royal George Theatre. This capital funding will bring a new, larger, modern theatre to Niagara-on-the-Lake and is part of the government’s commitment to boost tourism in the region and establish Niagara as a world-class destination.
“The Shaw Festival is a cultural icon for Ontario and for Canada, and is just one of the many great reasons to visit Niagara-on-the-Lake and the broader Niagara Region throughout the year,” said Stan Cho, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming. “Our government’s investment will help create hundreds of good jobs, boost the local and regional economy and give Ontarians the opportunity to enjoy world-class performances right here at home.”
In all, the reconstruction of the Royal George Theatre is expected to create 550 new jobs, contribute $80 million in GDP and generate $29 million in government revenues during construction.
The existing Royal George Theatre will close permanently later this year. The rebuild will honour elements of the original building’s design, and will be built to modern standards, including new, accessible lobby and lounge areas for visitors, greater seating capacity, as well as new rehearsal and workspaces. These new spaces will create opportunities for the Shaw Festival to expand learning and outreach programs, offer new performance and education opportunities to community cultural partners and develop new experiences, such as tours, that further encourage visitors to stay longer in the Niagara region.
“The Royal George Theatre is one of Canada’s most dearly loved cultural assets. More than 100,000 people come through its doors each year to experience the stories, connections and memories that only live arts can create,” said Ian Joseph, Chair of the Shaw Festival Board of Directors. “We are delighted that, with the support of the provincial government, we will now be able to rebuild this iconic jewel box theatre for the next generations of theatre makers and theatre lovers to work in and enjoy.”
The Shaw Festival is one of Canada’s premier cultural organizations and a key tourism driver for the Niagara region. Rebuilding the Royal George Theatre is an integral part of the Shaw Festival’s larger transformation project and is expected to be completed by Spring 2029. The new theatre is expected to include 20 percent more seats, offering the potential to draw more visitors to the Niagara Region annually.
“Hundreds of skilled workers are directly supported by the Shaw Festival Theatre, as well as thousands of spin-off jobs in the local tourism economy right across Niagara,” said Sam Oosterhoff, MPP for Niagara West. “This provincial investment shows the determination of our government to protect workers and jobs in our region and across the province. We will continue to work with our partners in the arts and culture sector, like the Shaw Festival, to ensure that Ontario remains a premier arts and culture destination for many years to come.”
Quick Facts
- The Shaw Festival is an anchor of Niagara-on-the-Lake’s heritage district, attracting 325,000 visitors and generating more than $250 million in economic activity annually.
- Shaw Festival patrons visit the area for several days on average, spending significantly on local accommodations, dining, winery visits, retail and many other tourism-related experiences.
- According to a Shaw Festival’s 2019 visitor data study, 50 per cent of Shaw Festival attendees came from other parts of the province outside the Niagara region and 32 per cent came from outside Ontario.
On August 23, 2024, the Shaw Festival announced their upcoming 2025 season, running from April 9 until December 21.
Quotes
“I am pleased to see this investment from the Government of Ontario in the Shaw Festival. The Shaw Festival is a cornerstone of Niagara-on-the-Lake’s character and a significant contributor to our tourism and economic success. Rebuilding the Royal George Theatre will help sustain local jobs, attract visitors, and strengthen our local economy. This announcement reflects the ongoing advocacy of Town Council and Staff, and we are grateful for the province’s commitment to this significant project.”
– Gary Zalepa
Lord Mayor of Niagara-on-the-Lake
“Beyond the incredible artistic legacy of this iconic space, The Royal George Theatre generates more than $70 million in economic impact for the region of Niagara every year. Rebuilding this beloved venue has been a priority for us not just so we can continue to deliver outstanding theatre here in the heart of wine country, but to play our part in accelerating the growth of our region as a world-class centre for cultural tourism. We want to thank the Ford government for this truly impactful investment in Niagara’s tourism ecology and for everything they do to support the province of Ontario.”
– Tim Jennings
Executive Director/CEO, Shaw Festival
