October 25, 2002
In 1995, the fledgling Roselawn Centre was in need of a strategic plan to enable the vision of creating a cultural arts centre in Port Colborne to become a reality. With the support of three levels of government, volunteers and the commitment of the Port Colborne Wainfleet Community Development Corporation, an agreement was signed that provided the final pieces of the puzzle.
The CDC, in partnership with the City of Port Colborne, HRDC and Industry Canada, embarked on a building process that was not always smooth, but ultimately created a facility that has become one of the main tourism development generators and attractions in the community. The CDC oversaw the final construction of a 300 seat state-of-the-art theatre which has become home to Showboat Festival Theatre, now in its 16th year of professional theater. Since the theatre opened in 1997, the facility has generated visitation that exceeds 30,000 people per year. It is home to the Canadian Authors' Series, nationally recognized and always sold out. Roselawn is also home to the annual Jazz Series, the Legends Series and the Food and Wine Series. Roselawn also hosts an art gallery, which is now booked until 2005.
The facility continues to expand the number of events that take place and is poised to open a complete food and restaurant service in June 2002 with world-class culinary presentations to compliment the Heritage VQA Niagara Wine Bar. A summer piano lounge, outdoor events, gourmet nights and live theatre make Roselawn one of the most popular destinations for the expanding tourism industry in Port Colborne.
The CDC also opened its own business centre as part of the Roselawn Centre, which has allowed the corporation to expand its CAP sites, community meeting rooms and entrepreneurial programs to the service area and community joint ventures. As the key business mentor to Roselawn, the CDC has adopted this major CED project to expand the overall economic development impact and new opportunities in the local economy. This very unique partnership has been a great success as Roselawn is now in its second year of operating surplus. The objective now is to continue to mentor Roselawn as it secures its operational and financial independence and self sufficiency with the CDC moving on to other CED ventures in the service area.
The success of this venture has created and sustained dozens of jobs and ancillary businesses. Showboat Theatre now employs full time staff and provides employment for over 30 individuals during its season. Roselawn has created 3 full time and 15 part time jobs. New businesses in the tourism and recreational sector continue to grow in large part due to the impact that Roselawn has in the community.
Roselawn is perhaps the most important heritage site in Port Colborne which has been retained and enhanced primarily as a result of the commitment the corporation gave to the project. Without the PCWCDC, this valuable community asset may very well have been lost forever. The success of this project is a testament to the vision of the board of directors, its continuing belief in the Roselawn mission and its focus on the big picture in the community. An undertaking like Roselawn was no easy task and, while many hurdles were encountered, Roselawn has become the focal point of the community. As it nears its full independence, Roselawn joins a list of successful CED projects the CDC has completed over the years of which it is extremely proud.
For a virtual visit, log on to www.roselawn.ca or contact General Manager Fred Davies at 905-834-7572.