‘The stars seem to be more aligned’: Collingwood group champions creation of ‘world class’ cultural centre

John Kirby was the chair of a committee in 1991 whose mandate was to determine the feasibility of an arts and culture centre for Collingwood.

About five years removed from the closing of the Collingwood Shipyards and about nine years away from the construction of the Blue Mountain Village, the area was still finding itself.

“We didn’t have the financial resources to do anything back then,” Kirby said. 

However, Kirby, who is now a member of the Collingwood Arts Culture Education (CACE) group, said the time is right.

Rob Hart is chair of the group that has a mission to see a “world class” arts, culture and entertainment centre built in Collingwood that will serve all of South Georgian Bay.

Hart said arts and culture is woven into the fabric of the area.

“It’s an unbelievable arts community,” Hardy said. “The energy, the vibrancy and the variety in the South Georgian Bay area it just blew me away.

The Town of Collingwood is currently sending out a request for proposal for a new feasibility study for a potential centre. Hart expects the feasibility study results to come back sometime next spring.

According to a recent press release from CACE, they’ve received support from MPP Jim Wilson, Clearview Mayor Doug Measures, Mayor Brian Sanderson and MP Terry Dowdall.

They’ve also received support from hundreds of individuals and groups involved in the local arts and culture scene.

Thom Vincent, a CACE member and local developer, said the facility could also help drive economic growth, as a strong arts and culture community can help attract businesses looking to relocate and young families.

“By having this type of facility, if we end up with it, will encourage younger people coming up here and give them a platform to express themselves in the arts and culture community,” he said. “The stars seem to be more aligned this time than ever before.”

Kirby said CACE already has a plan to help raise money to build it.

“I have no doubt in my mind that a facility can be built, and the capital money can be raised for that,” he said. 

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Editor’s note: A correction was made to this story on Nov.16. The name of the group is Collingwood Arts Culture Education group and its char is Rob Hart. Simcoe.com regrets the error.