GUYSBOROUGH — The ground was broken for the start of an ambitious renovation and new construction project to establish the Mulgrave Road Centre for the Arts in Guysborough on July 2.
Under sunny skies on Tuesday afternoon, Mulgrave Road Theatre (MRT) board, staff and volunteers were joined by government representatives and donors to mark the start of a “major expansion project that will establish Guysborough County as the home of Atlantic Canada’s first purpose-built net-zero cultural facility,” as outlined in MRT’s brochure on the project.
The new centre, at the site of the former NSLC building at the entrance to Guysborough, will feature 2,000 square feet in flexible space for performances and public gatherings, a combined lobby and art gallery, workshop facilities, creative spaces, administrative offices and more.
In opening the event, MRT Board Chair Dr. Barbara Bell said, “I think groundbreaking is the word of the day. This facility is truly groundbreaking. It will not only be a cultural hub for generations to come, but it will demonstrate for those generations our faith in a green and sustainable future as a carbon net-zero building.”
Cape Breton-Canso MP Mike Kelloway praised the team and partners behind the project. He said, “Big things can happen in rural Canada, and that’s what’s happening here in Guysborough.”
MRT has already raised 80 per cent of the funding needed to fulfill its vision, with support from all levels of government and donors. The fundraising effort is ongoing.
Guysborough-Tracadie MLA and Minister of Agriculture Greg Morrow noted the tenacity of MRT Artistic Director Emmy Alcorn in advancing the project.
“It’s up to the community groups to come to government and say, ‘Hey, here’s what we think we should do. Can you help us?’ And, boy, there’s no one better at that than Emmy.”
Municipality of the District of Guysborough Warden Vernon Pitts expressed excitement for what the centre will bring to the municipality. “Any day you can announce a project of this magnitude in the municipality is a great day for us.”
The theatre has historically operated without its own dedicated creation and performance space; that changes with this new centre.
“The new centre will serve as an inclusive haven for artists and community members alike,” MRT says in a news release. “By uniting professional and grassroots efforts under one roof, this visionary facility will heighten creativity and collaboration. The forward-thinking design will ensure sustainability while exemplifying how a pioneering theatre company in a rural location can generate steadfast, positive change for its community and beyond.”
Alcorn highlighted the longstanding need for MRT to have a dedicated space for the arts. “Today marks a new milestone on this journey, made possible by the contributions of many individuals and organizations, to whom we will always be grateful,” she said.
In 2016, MRT’s board of directors identified the need for proper infrastructure as a high priority for the organization. Planning began in late 2018, when they contracted Solterre Design to create a functional use study, followed by a schematic design.
“The recent completion of the design development and construction documents reflect Solterre Design’s ability to create functional, net zero, energy efficient buildings that are both elegant and cost-effective to operate,” says the release.
Iron Maple Constructors as was selected as the winning bidder of the tendering process, while Tate Engineering Inc. – led by Antigonish County native Murray Tate – will serve as the project management team.
The facility is slated for completion in the summer of 2026.
