A World-Class Arts Centre for Haliburton County

Just imagine... A dedicated home for concerts, plays, opera, and film festivals right here in the Highlands. A place for masterclasses that inspire the next generation and a rehearsal hub for our choirs, theatre companies, wind ensembles, and our growing chamber orchestra. We are building a venue large enough for our entire community, featuring world-class acoustics where you could hear a pin drop.

Where we are today For years, the Northern Lights Performing Arts Pavilion (NLPAP) has been our primary stage. While it has served us well, the community has outgrown the limitations of a school-based facility. Between booking restrictions, the lack of acoustic shells for orchestral music, and no capacity for concessions or gala events, our vibrant arts scene has hit a ceiling. Our large ensembles are literally running out of stage room, and our audiences deserve a full "night out" experience.

Turning Vision into Reality: Our Progress We are no longer just talking about a dream—we are building the foundation. The Municipality of Dysart et al has signaled its incredible support for the arts by donating a dedicated property to the Foundation, providing us with a permanent home.

To prepare for our formal re-zoning application, we have been hard at work behind the scenes. We have successfully executed:

• Comprehensive Environmental Studies to ensure responsible stewardship of the land.

• Traffic Impact Assessments to plan for seamless audience access.

• Site Planning and Pre-Development Analysis to ensure the facility meets every provincial and local standard.

Where we want to be Our goal is to create a multi-use facility that serves as both a grand theatre and an intimate recital hall. This centre will provide:

• Professional & Affordable Space: A home for local groups and a destination for world-class touring artists.

• Dedicated Infrastructure: Acoustically separate rehearsal halls and administrative spaces for local arts nonprofits.

• A Complete Experience: A beautiful lobby, lounge, and kitchen facilities for concessions and social gatherings.

The HHAC Foundation’s Mission The Haliburton Highlands Arts Centre Foundation is dedicated to raising the funds and building the partnerships necessary to bring this world-class venue to life. By collaborating with local, provincial, and federal partners, we are ensuring that the Highlands remains a premier cultural destination for generations to come.

Let’s make this happen.