DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard
SCUGOG: At a recent Township of Scugog Planning and Community Affairs Committee meeting, Carey Nicholson, representing Theatre on the Ridge, presented a delegation, regarding the organization’s vision for Cartwright Old Town Hall. Ms. Nicholson emphasized, securing a long-term lease agreement would be a pivotal step in Theatre on the Ridge’s direction for the next five to ten years, ensuring the hall is restored to a functional, accessible community space and a permanent home for the theatre company.
"Our goal is to return Cartwright Old Town Hall to a vibrant hub for the community," Ms. Nicholson stated. "We see this as more than just a venue for our productions. It’s an opportunity to create a gathering space which serves the broader public while fostering arts and culture in Scugog."
At the Monday, February 10th meeting, Council members engaged in a series of questions, to clarify aspects of the lease proposal. They inquired about the balance, between exclusive use by Theatre on the Ridge and public access to the hall, as well as what financial contributions the Township might be expected to provide for operating costs. Further discussion covered the potential for partnerships with other community groups, such as the Historical Society, parking concerns in Blackstock, and the Ontario Trillium Foundation’s lease requirements.
Later in the meeting, Council reviewed a staff report which detailed the intent to lease Cartwright Old Town Hall. Committee members posed additional questions: regarding capital and operating grants, outlined in the intent-to-lease letter; the hall’s property status; conditions of closing; and the structure of hall board committees across the township.
Council ultimately approved the negotiation and drafting of a letter of intent, for a future lease with Theatre on the Ridge, authorizing the Director of Community Services and the Chief Administrative Officer to finalize the agreement. With the Township’s authorization, for the Mayor and Clerk to execute the final negotiated letter of intent, Theatre on the Ridge is one step closer to securing a long-term lease. Ms. Nicholson believes this will be transformative for both the theatre company and the community at large.