BLYTH, Ont. -- The Ontario government is providing $3.3 million to help fund the reconstruction of Blyth Memorial Community Hall, home of the Blyth theatre festival, Deputy Premier Deb Matthews said Tuesday.
The nearly 100-year-old building, which includes a theatre and an art gallery, in the southwestern Ontario village of Blyth is in need of major repairs.
"There are leaks in the roof, the seats are falling apart, and the wiring is completely shot," said Peter Smith, project director for the Blyth Arts and Culture Initiative 14/19, describing some of the building's problems.
The reconstruction -- one component of Smith's multi-year initiative, which aims to create a cultural hub in Blyth -- is scheduled to begin in September, after the upcoming 42nd season concludes, and be completed by spring 2017.
The festival, which produces original Canadian plays, draws more than 20,000 visitors each season.
