Media Release

February 4, 2024
Contact: Dan Manley, President
info@hhartscentrefoundation.ca

On Tuesday, January  28th, 2025, the Department of Canadian Heritage delivered the news that the HHACF was successful in its application for feasibility funding via the Canadian Cultural Spaces Fund. 

The grant, a second award from DCH/CCSF after funding of the project feasibility study, will be covering 50% of the costs of rezoning the 14 acres donated to the HHACF from Dysart et al in the Summer of 2024.

Foundation president, Dan Manley, expressed gratitude upon reading the decision. “We’re so grateful for continued support from the Department of Canadian Heritage. Costs for the rezoning application fees, studies, architects and planners neared $50k and this kind of work is not easy to fundraise for. With this grant, we’re able to budget for both rezoning tasks and for fundraising startup activities as momentum continues to build for establishing a purpose-built performing arts centre in Haliburton County.”

Given the necessity of rezoning in order to determine the feasibility of using the 14-acre wood lot at the northern end of Wonderland Road and County Road 21, work has already started. Phase 1 of the environmental impact study has identified wetland setbacks. These inform the site plan that lays out positioning of driveways, parking, the main arts centre building and potential housing units. This will, in turn, provide data for the traffic study which will start in Spring. Meanwhile, thanks to this funding, the planning justification report and public consultations will be able to commence.

Looking forward into 2025, the HHACF has re-engaged with The Dennis Group to perform a second summary round of their Community Assessment and Planning Study (CAPS). With a revised budget and many project advancements since the first study round in early 2023, the Foundation is confident that revised plans will test well and that it will be able to develop a fundraising plan soon after.

A PDF of this press release can be downloaded here.

The Haliburton County Development Corporation has been invaluable since the founding of the HHACF with their advice and guidance.

This year, we partnered with the Burlesque Ball Haliburton committee to submit a joint application to HCDC’s Local Initiatives Program funding. The Burlesque Ball is a celebration of queer pride and culture with performances by local and professional drag artists, burlesque dancers and dance troupes.

The funding gift goes to securing professional sound & lighting and paying performers. In turn, the sell-out event is a fundraiser for the Haliburton Highlands Arts Centre Foundation via corporate sponsorships and donations at the door.

Media Release

June 26, 2024
Contact: Dan Manley, President
info@hhartscentrefoundation.ca

On Tuesday, June 25th, 2024, Dysart et al council voted unanimously to give the Haliburton Highlands Arts Centre Foundation 14.5 acres of land, located at the intersection of Wonderland Road and County Road 21, for the purpose of building a world-class Performing Arts Centre.

Foundation president, Dan Manley, who was present at the council meeting, said “We are thrilled to accept this generous contribution of land to our vision of bringing a Performing Arts Centre to Haliburton County. This represents a major step forward for our Foundation, and it will kick off the important work of beginning to raise funding and awareness from the federal and provincial government, private foundations, corporate partners, and individual donors.”.

The Haliburton Highlands Arts Centre Foundation is a non-profit group which was founded by Dan Manley and Wil Andrea, and its purpose is to build a world-class Performing Arts Centre in Haliburton County.

Over the past six (6) years, the foundation has been incorporated, and its board of directors has expanded to include nine (9) members of the local arts and business community, who have been working tirelessly to make this vision into a reality.

Janis A. Barlow & Associates conducted a Project Feasibility Study. It was released in September 2022, and revealed to the public at the AGM in October 2022.

Following the release of the Barlow Report, The Dennis Group was hired to conduct a Fundraising Feasibility Study,, and the HHACF Board will be planning the next steps of the campaign in consultation with the Dennis Group, who recently raised $45 Million for the Canadian Canoe Museum in Peterborough, as well as architects, engineers, environmental consultants, designers, acoustic engineers, and general contractors.

The Haliburton Highlands Arts Centre Foundation wishes to thank Mayor Murray Fearrey, the entire council of Dysart et al, and their staff, for their foresight, generosity and support in making this historic donation!

Stay tuned for the next phase of our building plans and development.

A PDF of this press release can be downloaded here.