Curtains Rise on DSBN Partnership with Meridian

Meridian is taking centre stage at Greater Fort Erie Secondary School (GFESS). A partnership between the DSBN and Meridian will see the school’s theatre renamed as the Meridian Centre for the Arts. Announced at the Elevate Fort Erie gala on Saturday, September 8, Meridian is contributing $500,000 towards the cost of the theatre.

“Building the Centre for the Arts alongside GFESS was an ambitious project. It was not something we could have done alone. However, we had a tremendous partner in the Town of Fort Erie, and now, Meridian. Meridian understands the value of building community up, and we are thrilled to have their support,” said Warren Hoshizaki, Director of Education.  

“Arts and culture bring people together and strengthen and connects communities,” said Wade Stayzer, Chief Member Experience Officer, Meridian. “One of our core values as an organization is to make a difference in our local communities. This important cultural facility is a showcase for local talent and also a place for people to meet and come together for experiences and moments that become treasured memories.”

The fundraising committee has done an incredible job making the case for this showcase facility for students and the community. As a result, we look forward to welcoming generations of students, actors, musicians, and artists of all stripes to the newly named Meridian Centre for the Arts,” said Dave Schaubel, DSBN Trustee for Fort Erie.

The theatre was originally constructed as a partnership between the DSBN and the Town of Fort Erie. Under the agreement, each organization agreed to contributing $500,000 to the Centre for the Arts, with the remainder of the theatre’s three-million-dollar cost to be financed through fundraising activities.

Greater Fort Erie and the Meridian Centre for the Arts are located on a 15-acre plot of land on Garrison Road across from the Town Hall and Fort Erie Leisureplex.