– Historic Royal George Theatre Name To Be preserved –
“This extraordinary investment through the Build Communities Strong Fund will help create a new Royal George Theatre that honours the site’s wonderful and varied history while setting a new standard for accessibility and environmental sustainability. More than a theatre, the new Royal George will be a place where communities come together to connect, create and be inspired.” – Tim Jennings, Executive Director/CEO, Shaw Festival.
A News Release from The Shaw Festival in Niagara, Ontaro
Posted September 14th, 2026 on Niagara At Large
The Royal George Theatre, photo courtesy of The Shaw Festival
Niagara-on-the-Lake – The Shaw Festival today welcomed a contribution of up to $25 million from the Government of Canada to help rebuild the Royal George Theatre in Niagara-on-the-Lake, creating a more accessible and environmentally sustainable home for one of Canada’s most beloved cultural institutions.
Announced today by Chris Bittle, Member of Parliament for St. Catharines, the federal contribution is being made through the Direct Delivery stream of the Build Communities Strong Fund. The investment represents a significant commitment to cultural infrastructure that supports economic growth, creates jobs and strengthens communities.
One of the largest cultural charities in North America and home to one of the world’s leading repertory theatre ensembles, the Shaw Festival welcomes more than 325,000 people each year, generating nearly $300 million in economic activity in Niagara and beyond.
“The Royal George Theatre is an important part of Niagara-on-the-Lake and a place where generations of Canadians and visitors from around the world have come together to enjoy great performances,” said Chris Bittle, Member of Parliament for St. Catharines.
“This investment will help ensure this cherished theatre can continue to entertain and inspire audiences for years to come. I’m proud that the federal government is helping preserve a cultural institution that means so much to our community.”
Royal George Theatre
Located on Queen Street in the heart of Niagara-on-the-Lake’s historic Old Town, the 110-year-old Royal George Theatre was closed in 2025 due to its failing infrastructure. The new Royal George Theatre will honour the character and intimate experience of the original theatre while creating a modern, fully accessible performing arts venue scheduled to open in fall 2028.
The new Royal George Theatre will feature a 350-seat jewel-box theatre, a “ghost façade” that pays homage to the original building, an expanded lobby, a dedicated rehearsal hall with expansive windows offering the community a glimpse into rehearsals in progress, and flexible community spaces that will support artistic development and educational programming.
Designed to become North America’s first theatre to achieve Zero Carbon Building Design certification and the first performing arts centre in North America to meet Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Gold standards, the new Royal George will set new benchmarks for environmental sustainability and accessibility while honouring Niagara-on-the-Lake’s cultural heritage.
“Strong communities are created when they are able to bring people together. We are deeply grateful to the Government of Canada for recognizing the essential role the arts play in strengthening such communities and deepening real human connection,” said Tim Jennings, Executive Director/CEO, Shaw Festival.
“This extraordinary investment through the Build Communities Strong Fund will help create a new Royal George Theatre that honours the site’s wonderful and varied history while setting a new standard for accessibility and environmental sustainability. More than a theatre, the new Royal George will be a place where communities come together to connect, create and be inspired.”
The Build Communities Strong Fund is investing $51 billion in a wide range of infrastructure projects across the country that support economic prosperity, housing, sport, education, health, transit, and climate adaptation. This funding is a cornerstone of the Government of Canada’s plan to invest in the infrastructure needed to build Canada strong – today and for generations to come.
Royal George Theatre Name Preserved
The Shaw Festival confirmed that the Royal George Theatre name will be preserved, thanks to a transformational gift from philanthropists Tim and Frances Price.
In a remarkable gesture of generosity, the Prices chose to preserve the Royal George name rather than attach their name to the new building, ensuring that the history, memories and legacy it represents will endure for generations to come.
“The Royal George has been part of the story of this community for generations. Tim and Frances’ decision to preserve its name honours everyone who has made memories within its walls – on stage, backstage and in the audience – while allowing the new Royal George to carry that history proudly into the future. It is a wonderfully generous gesture, and one that feels entirely in the spirit of this beloved theatre,” said Tim Carroll, Artistic Director, Shaw Festival.
The new Royal George Theatre and the recently opened Shaw Artists’ Village are central to the vision of The Shaw’s All.Together.Now. Campaign – an ambitious investment in the future of The Shaw and its ability to bring people together, spark creativity and deepen real human connection.
For more information, visit shawfest.com/alltogethernow (https://us.list-manage.com/5z4ah5UIvRC?e=2e913898ed&c2id=cbf2d8edbb077fe22d2ede6c12f16e15)
We don’t stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing. ~ George Bernard Shaw
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