ST. CATHARINES, ON – On August 12, 2015, the first-ever agreement between IATSE Local 461 and the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre was ratified.
It was approximately five years ago that the City of St. Catharines began discussions on constructing a new performance venue and Brock University quickly partnered with the city on the initiative. Local 461, which represents stage crew and allied crafts in the Niagara Region, already had an agreement in place for stage workers at Brock University. Local 461 was able to expand their existing jurisdiction at Brock University to cover workers in the newly-built Centre, and work with the City to craft a deal specific to the new Centre’s specific operational needs. The members of Local 461 are looking forward to working in this beautiful new facility and contributing to the success of this new endeavor.
The performing arts centre will be key to revitalizing downtown St. Catharines and has added an important new cultural attraction to the region. The centre features a 775-seat concert hall and a 210-seat dance/theatre venue. There is also a 300-seat recital hall and a 187-seat film venue, both of which will have shared access with Brock University’s Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts. The FirstOntario Performing Arts Centred will open to the public on October 8 for its inaugural season