Centre In The Square unveils completed washroom renovation project
Kitchener, Ontario, May 24, 2023 — Canadians everywhere have felt the impact of COVID-19 on their families, their livelihoods, and their way of life. As the arts & entertainment industry continues to re-build and rebound, Centre In The Square, alongside the Government of Canada, Province of Ontario, and the City of Kitchener are excited to unveil a washroom renovation project which will have a positive impact on the over 150,000 yearly visitors for generations to come.
Today, MP Valerie Bradford, MP Tim Louis, MPP Amarjot Sandhu, and City of Kitchener Mayor Berry Vrbanovic are excited to announce the completion of Centre In The Square’s washroom renovation project, the first of two renovation projects for the Centre In The Square theatre, in downtown Kitchener.
This washroom renovation project completely renovated 12 theatre washrooms, which included replacing the fixtures, plumbing, ventilation, and electrical components, and adding automatic door openers and handrails. This project updated not only 60 existing fixtures but also added an additional 16 fixtures to help alleviate capacity issues experienced during peak usage and improve accessibility.
The Government of Canada invested $1.2 million in this project while the Government of Ontario contributed nearly $1 million, with the City of Kitchener providing the remaining costs of just over $2.4 million. Together, Canada and Ontario, alongside community partners, are working to ensure Ontarians’ health and safety and create good-paying jobs.
All orders of government are working diligently together for the people of Ontario to make strategic infrastructure investments in communities across the province when they are needed most.
Members of the media were invited to attend a ceremony at Centre In The Square today, May 24 @ 1 PM for a tour of the Centre In The Square’s new facilities, a performance from select members of the Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony, and light refreshments.
“By supporting cultural and recreational facilities, we are building stronger communities where Canadians want to live, work and raise their families. As the largest performing arts venue in the region, Centre in the Square is an important hub of culture and entertainment. The Government of Canada’s investment has helped to make the facility more accessible, while enhancing its experience for tens of thousands of yearly visitors.”
Tim Louis, Member of Parliament for Kitchener—Conestoga, on behalf of the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities
“As the largest theatre in the Waterloo Region, the Centre In The Square is a hub of culture and entertainment. Supporting modernized and more accessible facilities will help eliminate barriers, open the theatre to all, and ensure that it can be enjoyed for years to come.”
Valerie Bradford, Member of Parliament for Kitchener—Hespeler
“The newly renovated washrooms at Centre In The Square will help to make the theatre more inclusive and accessible for everyone. By supporting community and cultural infrastructure, we are creating opportunities to participate in local activities in Kitchener.”
Kinga Surma, Ontario Minister of Infrastructure
“The Centre in the Square has been the City of Kitchener’s premiere performing arts centre since 1980 serving Kitchener residents and guests from throughout Waterloo region and beyond. This investment in enhancing patron amenities at this highly regarded arts & culture facility shows once again what is possible when federal, provincial and municipal governments work together in making investments to grow the economy, build communities, and make cities like Kitchener a great place to live, work and play in.”
Berry Vrbanovic, City of Kitchener Mayor
“Centre In The Square is honored to play a role in building a vibrant, inclusive and exciting community. We are eternally grateful to the Government of Canada, the Province of Ontario, and the City of Kitchener for funding this very necessary washroom replacement project. These improvements will allow us to better serve all our 150,000+ patrons per year, for decades to come, while making our facility more accessible for the needs of all our patrons.”
Dan Carli, Board Chair- Centre In The Square