The city of Cornwall and the arts community worked together for years on the necessity and shape of a
future arts & culture centre. The movement gained momentum with the release of the Culturescape Report
in 2012 which prompted the major feasibility study of 2016, by +VG Architects. That report selected the Civic
Complex as the preferred location and outlined the work which would need to be done to install a black box
theatre, studio, exhibition and gathering spaces both indoor and out. Unfortunately, the estimated costs
were high at 11 to 12 million dollars and the location itself gave people pause. Everything changed when
BMO announced that it was vacating the century-old Beaux Arts structure at 159 Pitt Street. The city recalled
+VG and they worked diligently to execute a FIT TEST which concluded that the city’s vision could be
incorporated into the Pitt Street location.
In addition to the architects’ assessment, the arts community welcomed the prospect of a downtown arts
space with a 200-seat theatre, gallery, studio and meeting spaces. The facility is considered the missing link in
all the city has to offer residents and visitors. It will be a fitting complement to the waterfront attractions, the
state-of-the-art sporting facilities at the Aquatic and Benson Centres and a go-to event space that will help
revitalize the downtown, giving a boost to the restaurants and commercial venues.