For 85 years, audiences have been delighted and entertained at the Chester Playhouse on Nova Scotia's South Shore. The theatre has hosted local and international artists and become a source of pride for the municipality and the province. Despite extensive damage caused by a fire in 2021, the community rallied around the theatre, determined to reopen and welcome audiences and performances again.
Today, Andy Fillmore, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry and Member of Parliament (Halifax), announced new funding of $1.05 million towards infrastructure upgrades, renovations, and the reconstruction of the newly reopened Chester Playhouse. He made this announcement on behalf of the Honourable Pascale St-Onge, Minister of Canadian Heritage, and the Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) and Minister of Rural Economic Development.
These funds will contribute to enhanced experiences for performers and artists, as well as for audience members, staff, and volunteers. A new commercial grade projector, sound system, and screen will deliver world-class performances to audiences. Accessibility has been improved with fully accessible spaces, a stair lift to the second floor, and a Bluetooth Hearing Loop system for use by people who are hearing impaired. Electrical systems have been upgraded and HVAC systems have been replaced to comply with modern standards.
This funding to the Chester Theatre Society includes $700,000 from the Department of Canadian Heritage's Canada Cultural Spaces Fund and $350,000 from ACOA's Innovative Communities Fund. In addition to funding from the Government of Canada, the Province of Nova Scotia has provided $200,000; the Municipality of the District of Chester has provided $200,000; and private donations totaling more than $1 million have helped ensure the Chester Playhouse's rebuild and reopening.
