DELORAINE – Larry Maguire, Member of Parliament for Brandon-Souris, announced federal funding for the Municipality of Deloraine-Winchester to make improvements to the Deloraine Theatre. The Theatre is receiving the funding through the Government of Canada’s Enabling Accessibility Fund to construct a new family washroom along with new male and female accessible bathrooms.
The Enabling Accessibility Fund (EAF) provides funding for eligible capital projects that increase accessibility for people with disabilities in communities and workplaces.
The renovation project will build a new family washroom and due to space restrictions in the current facility, the theatre will build new men’s and women’s wheelchair accessible washrooms, which will be built on the east side of the building.
"This project is a major upgrade to the theatre. By constructing these new fully accessible bathrooms, seniors and individuals with disabilities will benefit from this increased accessibility," Maguire said. “I know this theatre is visited by countless people throughout the year and I am exceptionally happy that events such as the Deloraine Border Festival will directly benefit.”
The Theatre in Deloraine is a vital space to the surrounding community, hosting many events throughout any given year. A major even held by the Theatre is the annual Deloraine Border Festival. A month-long event, the Deloraine Border Festival attracts young talent from across Westman and draws great crowds to its performance events.
The facility sees weekly visits for movie showings, recently enhanced by the purchase of a new digital projector. These activities attract great numbers from the community, which will now be accessible to more people for their enjoyment due to these renovations.
Since his election in 2013 as the MP for Brandon-Souris, Maguire has obtained federal funding for numerous projects in the municipality, including the improvements made to the water treatment facility and the upgrades made to the flood protection surrounding the town.
Maguire concluded, "This project to upgrade the Deloraine Theatre is a shining example of what we can accomplish when we all work together. Improving the quality of life of Westman seniors and those with disabilities remains a top priority of mine. I will continue to work hard every day and be a strong voice for our region.”
