Reprint of article from Bracebridge Examiner
November 2006

FEDS DIRECT $500,000 TO
RENE M. CAISSE MEMORIAL THEATRE IN BRACEBRIDGE

The list of supporting actors in the production of the Rene M. Caisse Memorial Theatre continued to grow. Friday afternoon, the Federal Government joined the ensemble cast of contributors when Parry Sound - Muskoka MP, and Minister responsible for FedNor, Tony Clement announced a government contribution of $500,000. The funding boosted the total amount of money raised for the facility to $1.7 million. The Town of Bracebridge lent the Bracebridge Arts Council $2.4 million in 2004 to build the theatre, all of which must be paid back by 2008. Tony Clement made the announcement at the site of the new recreation centre complex off Douglas Drive, where the theatre will be located. Over the clash of hammers, Paul Arril, co-chair of the Bracebridge Arts Council, conducted a brief tour of the still-under-construction theater site. Along with Tony Clement for the excursion were Bracebridge Mayor Scott Northmore, Town staff and several incoming and outgoing councilors.

Paul Arril pointed out features of the facility, including the feature location of a seating area for 250 guests, the balcony for 50 more and the 1700 square foot stage area.  Although the official opening of the theatre is slated for September 2007, Paul Arril said preliminary performances might be staged as early as next summer to help work out the kinks.  Paul Arril told the group it is fitting that Tony Clement is also the Federal Minister of Health, as the facility would contribute to the over all health of the community. In turn, Tony Clement commended Arril.

The strong arts community helps to define a town, said Tony Clement, and the new theatre will play an integral role in revitalizing the arts in Bracebridge.

“THIS-STATE–OF-THE-ART COMMUNITY THEATRE WILL BE A DRAWING CARD FOR BOTH RESIDENTS AND VISITORS ALIKE”