On September 4, 2008, a consultant's report recommended that Memorial Hall, Waterdown, be removed from the City of Hamilton inventory some time between 2017 and 2021.

Village Theatre members are deeply concerned about the future of the arts in Flamborough if this should happen. Memorial Hall is the only designated Arts and Culture Centre in Flamborough, with a 91% usage rate, higher than any other community hall in Flamborough. Centrally located in the heart of Waterdown, it is home to a local service club and several key groups that provide social services and programmes for youth and the arts. Village Theatre volunteers over the last thirty years have renovated and upgraded the interior, improving the seating and stage, and installing lighting and sound infrastructure.

We are also astounded that the City would consider removing from its inventory a building that was specifically designed as a memorial to those who fell in World War I. Historians note that only 5 such buildings exist in Canada. At a time when all too frequent sacrifices are being made by Canadian soldiers overseas, we would hope that this heritage building would be honoured and respected.

Before deciding on a course of action, Village Theatre members will actively consult with City Recreation staff, councillors, and other groups to better understand the implications of the report. We will monitor the progress of the report through City committees and council meetings, and will make sure that the voice of arts and culture continues to be heard in Flamborough.

As you see, we are at the stage of collecting information and gathering facts. We're not ready to take any action yet, and want to find out more before we take steps that may alienate potential allies. We've set up an email discussion group that will keep members informed about news as we hear it, and decisions as we make them.