Detailed design work is underway to complete long-awaited accessibility upgrades at the historic Victoria Hall/ Victoria Playhouse Petrolia (VPP).
Town council recently awarded a $583,350 contract to Cima Canada Inc. (CIMA+) intending to open the project for tender in 2027.
"They will be taking care of the detailed final drawings for tender," said Director of Marketing, Arts and Communications Laurissa Ellsworth. "They're also looking after our project management; so basically taking this project from here until the end, through the tendering process, through the construction process, and through final approval."
The renovation project is planned to take place in two phases.
The first phase would see the addition of nine new accessible washrooms (spread on each floor), and a second elevator to take people from the lobby to the orchestra and balcony levels of the auditorium.
"So for the first time, we would have an elevator that would reach the balcony level," Ellsworth said. "It'll also provide a secondary elevator to take some of the pressure off the existing small one at the front."
Phase two will involve a new freight/personnel elevator to load sets and props into the backstage area.
"This would replace our existing skyjack," Ellsworth said. "Even more so, because we have added the personnel piece, it would provide us the opportunity for the very first time to hire someone with a physical disability to access the backstage area and onstage area to finally be able to participate in a production."
The additions are expected to take place at the backside of Victoria Hall, with the public elevator and washrooms to be located at the northwest corner and fright/personnel elevator to be located at the southwest corner.
Preparation for phase one, which would include dead-standing tree removal and ground work, is expected to take place in early fall.
Pre-construction is anticipated to start in the spring of 2027 with most of the work hoped to be completed by fall of 2028.
Ellsworth said it feels good to have an approximate timeline in place.
"The end is in sight, if you will," she said.
"It gives us hope that we will be able to provide a dignified experience for our senior patrons or those with physical disabilities in the building. It makes us feel good to know that we can hire people of all abilities," continued Ellsworth.
In the meantime, efforts to fundraise and apply for grants will continue.
So far, roughly $2.5 million has been raised of the estimated $3.7 million needed for the project. Ellsworth said preliminary fundraising efforts began in 2020.
Petrolia council has approved $500,000 in principle if needed, but Ellsworth said any money used from that commitment would be paid back.
A media release from the town said VPP has grown "to become the largest tourist attraction in Lambton County."
The VPP saw more than 30,000 visitors in a six-show season last year, not including rentals or other building uses.
