Brampton performing arts theatre to receive accessibility upgrades

BRAMPTON, ONT.—The Rose, a performing arts theatre in Brampton, Ont., will be rehabilitated to improve accessibility for both audiences and artists and increase operational efficiency by reducing the time and labour required to present events and programming.

The project, which will be funded by all three levels of government, will involve installing climb-assist railings in the upper balcony, replacing a portion of the current fixed seating with removable seating, upgrading and placing emergency alarms in the washrooms and adding a wheelchair lift. It also includes upgrading theatre lighting to LED technology, automating the current rigging system and updating video infrastructure from analog to digital.

The Government of Canada is investing more than $2.2 million in this project through the Community, Culture and Recreation Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada plan. The Government of Ontario is providing more than $1.8 million in funding and the City of Brampton is contributing over $1.5 million toward this project.

“Today’s funding announcement from the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario for accessibility and efficiency upgrades at The Rose helps contribute to a more inclusive space for our residents, audiences and artists,” said Patrick Brown, mayor of the City of Brampton, in a statement. “I look forward to the days ahead where we’ll be able to join in-person at The Rose and enjoy live performing arts in our city.”