Coun. Lloyd Ferguson is optimistic that ground will be broken next year on what will be known as the Ancaster Memorial Arts Centre.
Most of the project’s $12-million cost is in place after the provincial government, through Ancaster Dundas Flamborough Westdale Liberal MPP Ted McMeekin, joined the City of Hamilton in committing $3 million towards the project on Monday morning.
The community has raised $2.4 million to date with the federal government being asked to commit the final 25 per cent of the funding.
Coun. Ferguson notes the arts centre will be located in the former Memorial School on Wilson Street, in the heart of downtown Ancaster.
The project includes a 450-seat theatre and Ferguson says it will become home to a variety of local organizations such as Ancaster Theatre, Boris Brott Musical Festival and Ancaster Senior Achievement.
Ferguson adds that it was “critical” to keep “memorial” in the name of the arts centre.
He points out that the school was originally named in 1947 in honour of Canada’s fallen soldiers.