Such an attitude was also prevalent in connection with the construction of the Performing Arts Centre (PAC)—as it is called for now—for the city of Burlington, a community of 165,000 residents on the north shore of Lake Ontario. While there is already a well-used facility for the visual arts, there has not been anything suitable for performing arts, whether it be theater, music or dance. People, who object to the building of the PAC, take the view that it is okay for local residents to travel to Toronto or Hamilton to see theater performed there. They are also content to see local theater and dance enthusiasts reduced to the attendance at amateur performances at a seniors' community center.

Fortunately, the city government chose to ignore the many letters to the editor printed in the local newspaper that objected to the $36.2 million facility, and the nay-sayers at various council meetings during discussions of the project. The facility, designed by the same architectural firm as Toronto's opera house, Diamond and Schmitt Architects, the 62,000-sq. foot center is going ahead at the corner of Elgin and Locust streets, only a block away from Lake Ontario and within walking distance of the Burlington Art Centre. It will be built with financial assistance from the federal and local governments and private money.

Ground has now been broken at the site that formerly housed the Burlington offices of Halton Regional Police. "This is going to bring much more than a simple performing space to our community," said Mayor Cam Jackson. "It's going to be the very first truly community space for our citizens to gather indoors." A representative from the federal government at the ground breaking ceremony, MP Del Mastro, stated, "The Burlington Performing Arts Centre will be an excellent addition to the cultural life of this city." He reminded those at the ceremony that "by investing in the improvement, renovation and construction of heritage facilities . . . the Government of Canada is helping increase access to the arts."

By being not only close to the Art Centre, but also kitty corner from City Hall, PAC will contribute to bringing more focus to downtown. There are restaurants and shops near by that will benefit from the center when it opens in July 2011. It will also contribute to bringing money into the community by employing those who will build the center over the next two years. At a time when the economy is at a downturn, this will help boost local employment, and prove to be a win-win situation all around. Hence, we applaud those with enough foresight, who persisted with creating the project that will enhance life in this rapidly growing city.