REPORT TO COMMUNITY 2025
The FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre (PAC) is located in downtown St. Catharines, Ontario at the corner of St. Paul and Carlisle Streets on the shared traditional lands of the Haudenosaunee, Anishinaabe, Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, the Neutral Peoples and many other Indigenous People from across Turtle Island.
This territory is covered by the Upper Canada Treaties and is within the land protected by the Dish With One Spoon Wampum agreement. We offer our sincere gratitude and respect to the original and continued stewards of this land and are reminded that our great standard of living is directly related to the resources and friendship of Indigenous Peoples.
We also acknowledge Indigenous, Black, other Racialized Communities and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People who have been marginalized for centuries and more — and our collective responsibility to take action for a better world free from oppression, discrimination and racism.
REFLECTIONS FROM LEADERSHIP
MESSAGE FROM THE BOARD CHAIR
On behalf of the Board of Directors, I am pleased to present the 2025 Report to Community, highlighting a year of strong impact and an important milestone for FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre.
Throughout the year, the PAC demonstrated its value across the Niagara region as a leading cultural institution — fostering community connection, supporting artistic excellence, and contributing to regional vitality. The celebration of the centre’s 10th Anniversary further underscored its significance, and the depth of community support it continues to inspire.
The Board remains committed to effective governance, strategic oversight, and long-term sustainability. We take pride in our role as ambassadors for the organization, ensuring it is well-positioned to deliver on its mission today and into the future.
I would also like to extend sincere thanks to our patrons for their ongoing support and enthusiastic attendance, and to our staff and volunteers for their professionalism, dedication, and consistent delivery of high-quality experiences in service of the community.
It is an honour to serve as Board Chair beginning in 2026, having been a member of the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre Board since its formation. I look forward to working alongside my fellow directors to support the PAC’s continued growth and success.
Sincerely,
Lloyd Smith
Lloyd Smith, Board Chair
MESSAGE FROM THE CEO
We at the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre believe in the power of the arts to transform communities. As we reflect on 2025, I am proud to share a year that, while challenging, was also defined by impact, celebration and transformation.
Our 10th Anniversary celebrations invited us to look back on what this organization has become over the last decade; a vital part of Niagara’s cultural life and a place where the arts and community grow. At our Community Open House in September, we heard from Mayor Siscoe and former Mayors Sendzik and McMullan, all who supported making the PAC the success that it is today. They reminded us that our impact reaches far beyond the stage.
Throughout the year, that impact was felt in many ways. We welcomed over 114K community members to 661 events in 2025, including 319 screenings in The Film House. This resulted in $9.2M in income for local workers and contributed $16.3M to regional GDP.
In January, we officially became a charitable organization. With a vision to ensure the arts are an essential part of life in Niagara, we hosted our inaugural SPARK Gala featuring a special live performance by The Tenors. The support from our community was overwhelming, and the event raised over 200K to secure the best talent on our stages at accessible pricing for all.
From our VIP Members Night to standout performances including Tom Morello and Jann Arden, our community showed up in full force to celebrate and participate in the arts. We also launched our new five-year Strategic Plan and announced the creation of the Art in Action: Climate festival, further defining our role as a leading cultural destination in Niagara.
While 2025 was a year of celebrations and new initiatives, it was also a challenging year for the PAC, as Brock University, one of our original founding partners, made the decision to exit its partnership agreement with the City of St. Catharines. We have greatly valued our 10-year partnership with the University, and we are hopeful that we will find a way to work together in the future, as we remain committed to a place that inspires and develops the next generation of artists.
I would like to extend our sincere thanks to the City of St. Catharines, our founding partner, whose ongoing support and shared vision for a vibrant cultural sector is integral to our success.
Thank YOU for being part of this journey! The arts belong here, and because of your support, they will continue to grow and thrive here. With your continued support, the future is bright, and we are so excited for the next chapter.
With appreciation,
Colleen Smith
Colleen A. Smith, CEO
OUR COMMITMENT
OUR VISION
To make the arts an essential part of life in Niagara.
OUR MISSION
Through the arts, we create exceptional experiences for and with our community.
OUR MANDATE
As a convenor of arts, culture, and creativity, we are stewards of the beautiful multi-venue facility that is the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre, with a mandate to present and support artistic work, and enhance the community that we serve.
We believe in the power of the arts to transform communities.
OUR VALUES
CARE We approach all interactions with kindness, empathy, and respect, communicating with openness and honesty.
COLLABORATION We recognize and value diversity of perspectives and experiences, working together with trust, transparency, and mutual respect.
CREATIVITY We celebrate self-expression, authenticity, and the willingness to take risks to create an exceptional experience.
CULTURE OF LEARNING We are curious and self-aware, committed to personal growth and lifelong learning through the arts.
Choir! Choir! Choir!, photograph by Dan Brown.
The PAC is Niagara’s home for the arts: a place where audiences, artists, students, community and arts organizations come together. Under one roof, four distinct venues make room for big nights out, intimate artistic encounters, shared learning, independent film, and community life.
In 2025, the PAC welcomed 114,971 patrons to 661 events — creating moments that moved people, strengthened connections, expanded access, and contributed to the cultural and economic life of the region.
ABOUT PAC + IMPACT STATS HEARTS IN SEATS
We exist to move people. 114,971 patrons attended 661 total events
421 PAC presented events 1,049 PAC Presents and Film House Members
Dean Brody, photograph by Joel Naphin.
THE HOME STAGE
We are a home for Niagara’s arts ecosystem.
4 venues: Partridge Hall, Recital Hall, The Film House, Robertson Theatre
86 programming partners
239 community arts and rental partner events
$1,041,813 paid in artist fees
EVERY SEASON OF LIFE
The arts belong to everyone, at every age and every stage of life.
In 2025, over 6,400 students and teachers reached through subsidized imPACt Education tickets. We hosted 60 free and pay-what-you-can events and provided 4,166 free tickets to the community. 354 CANOO tickets were provided for newcomers to Canada.
THE CATALYST
What happens at the PAC reaches far beyond our walls.
11,182 visitors came from outside the Niagara Region
$21.6M in visitor spending
$16.3M contributed to regional GDP
$9.2M generated in income for local workers
BEYOND THE BUILDING
The PAC experience continues long after the curtain call.
910K+ website sessions
630K visitors
2.8M pageviews
34K social followers
PAC Presents 10th Anniversary Live Performances
102 PAC Presents Performances
612 PAC Members
38,206 attendees, a 14% increase over 2024
In 2025, we marked our 10th anniversary with live performances that highlighted the PAC’s role as a destination for unforgettable experiences and Niagara’s home for the arts. Across music, dance, comedy, and community celebration, audiences shared unforgettable moments with artists from Niagara, across Canada and around the world.
The season brought internationally celebrated artists and beloved Canadian voices to St. Catharines, including Pink Martini, Fraggle Rock, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Tom Morello, Finger Eleven, Brett Kissel, Jim Cuddy Band, Jann Arden, Dallas Smith, Ron Sexsmith, Stars, and Colin James. Audience favourites including Dwayne Gretzky and 54•40 filled Partridge Hall with energy, while Howie Mandel delivered a night of laughter.
Our season also expanded what audiences in Niagara could experience close to home. Performances by Yamato: The Drummers of Japan, Step Afrika!, Ailey II, and Soweto Gospel Choir brought global music to our stage, while community-rooted events such as the Black History Month Talent Show and Secret Path Live in Concert created space for celebration, reflection, and connection.
In November, the PAC introduced its SPARK Gala (see page 19). This inaugural event brought together the PAC’s community of supporters to celebrate 10 years in style. Featuring The Tenors, the event highlighted a decade of artistic ambition, generosity, and belief in what the arts make possible.
Yamato Drummers, photograph by Giant Shoe.
Dwayne Gretzky, photograph by Stuart Hendrie.
THE FILM HOUSE
In 2025, audiences at The Film House discovered new blockbuster and indie features, award-winning documentaries, beloved classics (our Retro Reels film series) and accessible family programming in an intimate, modern setting that paired film with local Niagara wine and craft beer. Signature events such as Oscar Season celebrations and interactive screenings like Rocky Horror Picture Show, plus family-friendly programming such as March Break matinees, were designed to make The Film House both a cultural home and a welcoming social space for film lovers at every stage of life.
319 film screenings
12,733
attendees
Highlights from the year included:
Launched our Retro Reels film series
Celebrated Brock University Film Society (BUFS) 50th anniversary with our monthly BUFS film series dedicated to films made in 1975
Continued our partnership with Niagara Society of Architects on the Architecture Film Series
Presented Community Screenings with partners: Community Addiction Services of Niagara (CASON), Brock University, Niagara College, OUTNiagara, Ukrainian Canadian Congress
Youth Film Club programmed series, including a Matinee Takeover in January and Essential Queer Cinema in May
424 Film House members
Screening in The Film House, photograph by Giant Shoe.
PROGRAMS AND PARTNERSHIPS FOR YOUTH
24 performance and
events
an increase of 60% over 2024
6,461 students and educators attended
$14K+ in ticket subsidies provided to Niagara students
The PAC continues to be a home for accessible, inspiring arts education — a place where young people discover the arts. In 2025, the imPACt Education Series welcomed 6,461 students and educators to live, curriculum-aligned performances designed to spark creativity, connection, and learning. Serving students from Pre-K to Grade 12, all programming is carefully curated to complement the Ontario curriculum across subjects and age levels.
Students engaged with a dynamic lineup of performances that explored environment, belonging, and Indigenous knowledge through powerful storytelling, including Secret Path Live, and Where Have All the Buffalo Gone? Highlights also included globally inspired music in KUNÉ World’s Universal Echoes and beloved literary storytelling in Carousel Players’ Where the Wild Things Are. Together, these experiences reached learners and educators across Niagara — making arts education engaging, inclusive, and memorable.
imPACt Youth Program with the Yamato Drummers, photograph by Giant Shoe.
Youth Film Club
The Youth Film Club continued to open the door for high school students to gain real-world experience in cinema programming, event planning, and community engagement. In 2025, the cohort helped shape screenings and themed events at The Film House, bringing fresh ideas, promotional support, and volunteer energy to programs that resonated with the community and strengthened young people’s connection to the arts.
Family Day
In 2025, the PAC came alive with Family Day activations in every space. Over 1.2K community members engaged in free activities, including, Retro Cartoons & Cereal in The Film House, Silent Rock Band with Niagara Conservatory of Music, an interactive Arts Hive with Willow Arts Community, an all-ages Bollywood dance class with Shaina Rai, Niagara Symphony Orchestra’s Instrument Petting Zoo, a puppet creation station with Carousel Players, and a venue-wide scavenger hunt! Ticketed events included Tweet! Tweet! by Welland’s Femmes du Feu Creations, a highly interactive percussion performance from SAMAJAM, and an interactive screening of Shrek hosted by the PAC’s Youth Film Club.
Yellow Door Theatre Project Summer Camp
In summer 2025, the PAC once again partnered with Yellow Door Theatre Project to host their two-week musical theatre camp for youth ages eight to 17. Participants trained in acting, singing, and choreography, and concluded the program with fully staged performances of The Lion King Jr. in the PAC’s professional theatre spaces. The camp offered an inspiring opportunity for young performers to grow in confidence, skill, and creativity, supported by a team of theatre educators and production staff.
Niagara Symphony’s Instrument Petting Zoo on Family Day, photograph by Giant Shoe.
Young audience member at Kune World, photograph by Giant Shoe.
FUND DEVELOPMENT
In 2025, the PAC began a new chapter as a registered charity, giving our community a direct way to invest in what happens here and what it makes possible across Niagara.
We believe the arts are essential. Every gift helps us bring more powerful artistic experiences to our stages, widen access, support learning and creative discovery, and strengthen the PAC’s role as a catalyst for community and culture.
Philanthropic contributions reached over $370K A 262% increase over 2024 Sponsors contributed $101K
The Tenors perform at the SPARK Gala, photograph by Giant Shoe.
Your support helped fuel
The imPACt Education Series
Family Day
Community Open House
Youth Film Club
Community Film Screenings
CANOO Program for Newcomers
Bold programming and transformative projects that push creative boundaries
Expanded access to the arts for all members of our community
SPARK Gala
On Nov. 25, 2025, we celebrated our 10th anniversary season with the inaugural SPARK Gala. The event attracted hundreds of supporters and raised more than $200K for PAC programming and community events. This outcome was possible thanks to our PAC donors, partners, members and attendees who continue to believe in what arts and culture can do for Niagara.
Investment in the arts is an investment in all communities, in safer downtowns, thriving small businesses, and livelier neighbourhoods.”
– Colleen A. Smith, CEO FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre
Guests at the gala experienced a Niagara-inspired evening beginning with a cocktail reception featuring local winery and brewery partners, followed by a delicious dinner prepared by Chef Erik Peacock of Wellington Court. Live and silent auctions, with prizes donated by community businesses and partners, added excitement throughout evening. The night concluded with a headline performance by The Tenors in Partridge Hall.
SPARK Gala, photograph by Giant Shoe.
What I love most is how it welcomes everyone. From young people experiencing the magic of the arts for the first time, to lifelong patrons who return again and again — there’s a sense of belonging here. It’s created not just by the performances, but by the passionate staff, dedicated volunteers, and generous sponsors who make it all possible.”
– Mary Lou Urquhart, PAC Ambassador Member
Audience members at Choir! Choir! Choir!, photograph by Dan Brown.
Our Members
In 2025, our over 1K members continued to show what it means to stand behind the arts in Niagara. Their support helped ensure the PAC is not only a place to see great performances, but a place where community, creativity and connection can grow.
This year, we introduced a new tiered membership model with expanded benefits and a built-in charitable giving component. Whether joining as a Friend, Champion, Ambassador or Visionary, each member played a meaningful role in supporting the PAC as Niagara’s home for the arts.
Throughout the year, members enjoyed early access to tickets, special pricing and invitations to exclusive events that created deeper connection to the artists, the performances and one another. From Members Night to VIP gatherings and meet-andgreet opportunities, these moments helped turn attendance into belonging.
Through our Partner Perks discounts at local businesses, members also received benefit beyond our walls, extending the PAC experience into the wider community and reinforcing our role as part of Niagara’s cultural and economic life.
It’s such a beautiful place to come and enjoy live performance, whether it’s music or dance, and the acoustics are just phenomenal. To feel like you are part of this community — it’s an amazing place.”
– Janice Hutton, PAC Ambassador Member
The passion the PAC team has to bring quality performances and diverse performances is always impressive. Wanting to truly give back to the community is a big part of where the PAC has gone in the last few years... to make sure this is a place for the whole community not just elite members.”
– Phil Hutton, PAC Ambassador Member
Members Night 2025, photograph by Giant Shoe.
The PAC is committed to strengthening our community through welcoming, barrier-free artistic experiences that empower everyone to participate in a rich cultural and civic life.
Community Film Screenings
The Film House spotlights local voices and timely issues through monthly screenings co-presented with local community groups. These pay-what-you-can and free events often include postfilm panels, guest speakers, and virtual Q&As that invite deeper conversation and connection.
380 Community Film attendees 354 CANOO tickets issued to newcomers COMMUNITY PROGRAMS AT THE PAC
Holiday Newcomer Market & CANOO Partnership
In its third year now, the CANOO ticket access program continued in 2025 with the PAC and 15 Niagara-based arts organizations providing free or discounted access to newcomers across the region. The program, offered in partnership with the Institute for Canadian Citizenship, aims to create a more welcoming and culturally vibrant community by removing barriers to participation in the arts for new Canadians.
In December, the PAC once again hosted the Holiday Newcomer Market, in partnership with Bridges Niagara, where attendees explored handmade goods, connected with local newcomer-run businesses, and took part in seasonal festivities. The market was presented alongside a pay-what-you-can concert in Partridge Hall featuring KUNÉ, Canada’s Global Orchestra, whose work explores and celebrates Canada’s cultural diversity.
Kune World, photograph by Giant Shoe.
COMMUNITY PROGRAMMING PARTNERS
Strong Water Women
Department of Geography & Tourism Studies
Department of Medieval & Renaissance Studies
Hadiyadagénhahs First Nations, Métis and Inuit Student Centre
Human Rights & Equity Office
Faculty of Math and Science
COMMUNITY USE AND RENTALS
Created for and by the community, the PAC proudly serves as a platform for a diverse mix of professional and avocational arts organizations, promoter-led events, and community gatherings across a wide range of disciplines. Our role goes far beyond providing space—we offer infrastructure, expert production and marketing support, and a welcoming, fully accessible environment where creativity and talent thrive.
Each year, hundreds of artists, presenters, students, and community groups activate our venues with events that span concerts, dance competitions, festivals, film screenings, graduations, fundraisers, and more. These events don’t just enrich lives through arts and culture — they also draw visitors who energize our downtown core, supporting jobs, tourism, local businesses, and the broader economy in Niagara. Through our community and rental partnerships, the PAC serves as both a community resource and a catalyst for the city and region. In 2025, our spaces were animated
Wine tasting in the Algoma Lobby, photograph by Steph Montani.
RENTAL PROGRAM PARTNERS
12 Mile Event and Production Inc. Academy
Avanti Singers
Awake to Praise - Vineland Reformed Church
Ballet Etc.
Beaches International Jazz Festival
Bounty Enterprises
Bravo Niagara! Festival of the Arts
Broadway Lights Dance Studio
Brock Musical Theatre
Carousel Players
Cesare Casciato
Chorus Niagara
City of St. Catharines
Ward Cornforth
Drayden DeCosta
District School Board of Niagara
Expressions Dance Company
Faulty Towers – Starvox Entertainment
Colin Field – Albiero Films
Forrest Jones Entertainment
Fusion Studio of Performing Arts
Gallery Players of Niagara
Garden City Comedy Festival
Grimsby Book Store
Holy Cross Catholic Secondary School
Honour Choir
Johnny Showtime Ltd.
Laurie Ewart’s Danceworks
Legends Revisited
Jeff Leeson
Live Incorporated – TCB Entertainment
Live is All You Need Inc.
Live Nation Canada
Robert Missen
MODO Live Arts & Entertainment
Momentum Choir
Jacob Moon
Moon Coin
Murray Hodgson Presents
Music Niagara & Canadian Chamber
Musical Event Solutions
My Mulan
Niagara Ballet
Niagara Catholic District School Board
Niagara College
Niagara Dance & Fitness Studio
Niagara Symphony Orchestra
Outback
Oxy Vinyls
Paquette Entertainment Company Ltd.
Pink Floyd Niagara
Saint Francis Catholic Secondary School
David Skolnick – Rowen Productions
Shantero Productions
SHOCK Dance Challenge
Simon Xiao
Skyship Entertainment
Sofifran Niagara
Frank Spadone
Sport Niagara
St. Catharines Public Library
Strut Niagara
The Yellow Door Theatre Project
Thorold Secondary School
Thorold Track Club
Time Warp Promotions
VaughnCo Entertainment Inc.
We Dance Production, Inc.
FOUNDING PARTNER
CITY OF ST. CATHARINES
The City of St. Catharines played a foundational role in the creation of the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre, guided by a Mayor and City Council who recognized the transformative impact a performing arts centre would have on the revitalization of downtown. The PAC officially opened its doors in November 2015, and in 2018, City Council approved a transition plan to establish the PAC as a Municipal Service Board. This governance shift took effect in January 2020, when the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre Board assumed operational leadership.
Arts Impact Beyond the Stage
$64,496 contributed toward the St. Catharines Cultural Investment Program (SCCIP)
While the City of St. Catharines retains ownership of the facility and funds core operating expenses, the Board of Directors is entrusted with stewarding the PAC’s vision and managing its day-to-day operations. We are proud of and grateful for our ongoing partnership with the City and its residents.
Each year, the PAC contributes one third of the Community Cultural Investment Fund (CCIF) fee — collected from patrons at the time of ticket purchase — directly to the St. Catharines Cultural Investment Program (SCCIP). This vital municipal granting program provides essential support to local artists, cultural organizations, and creative initiatives based in St. Catharines.
FOUNDING PARTNER BROCK UNIVERSITY
Brock University was one of the PAC’s original founding partners. However, in 2025, Brock exited its formal partnership agreement with the City of St. Catharines.
We are grateful for the role the University played in the PAC’s first 10 years and remain committed to being a place that inspires and supports the next generation of artists. We are hopeful there will be opportunities to work together again in the future.
3 Brock University partnership screenings with 125 attendees
14 Brock University Department of Music events
8 Free Music at Noon performances
SPARK Gala, photograph by Giant Shoe.
VOLUNTEER PROGRAM
From the moment the lobby lights go up to the final curtain call, our volunteers are behind the scenes and out front, helping every performance and event run seamlessly. Whether offering a warm welcome at the door, assisting guests with accessibility needs, answering questions, or capturing memorable moments on camera, their dedication enhances every aspect of the PAC experience. As ambassadors of our values, they help ensure that every visit feels personal, welcoming, and memorable. We are deeply thankful for their time, energy, and unwavering commitment to building community through the arts.
86 volunteers
11.3K volunteer hours an increase of 11% over 2024
THANK YOU PAC VOLUNTEERS (current as of April 2026)
Rick Agnew
Edith Bacon
John Bordowitz
Gale Briggs
Victor Brodeur
Jill Buckingham
Frances Bunting
Kristine Casement
Bill Chapman
Monique Charlebois
Dennis Cheredar
Laurie Cheredar
Patt Chivers
Gary Clement
Carol Clifford
Linda Cranford
Maureen Cripps
Anita Curran
Margaret Davison
Bonnie Dearborn
Wanda DiMarco
Joy DiSimoni
Loretta Donatelli
Jane Donegan
Sue Dryczewycz
Rita Eastman
Alec Edmondstone
Maria Fabregas
Kevin Ferguson
Lyn Fox
Karla Gilmore
Lynda Greer
Jane Hanna
Marni Hogg
Ginette Hunter
Richard Kent
Coby Koene
Zandy Kusyj
Alan Lau
Jocelyn Laing
Trish Loat
Rob Loiselle
Kathy Lyon
Cynthia Martin
Fay Mattus
Megan McKee
John Meguerian
Sharon Meguerian
Sandie Nicholson
Chereen Osborne
Terry Parker
Vartkes Peltekoglu
Pearl Peritalo
Sharon Ridings
Melodie Robinson
Beverly Russell
Helen Self
Carol Serroul
Jack Sheehan
Teresa Slobodian
Joanne Spence
Sharon St. Pierre
Wendy Szymski
Alison Thomson
Robert Trask
Tess Trojan
Dianne Turner
Mark Turner
Annette Urlocker
Cathy Van Oosten
Lisa Vanderloos
Koby Vanyo
Colleen Vrhovsek
Pattie Webb
Volunteer Photographers
Dan Brown
Marc Delledonne
Marino Favretto
Jeff Friesen
Lauren Garbutt
Joel Naphin
Volunteer assisting patrons at the Kune World performance, photograph by Giant Shoe.
THANK YOU PAC TEAM
Colleen A. Smith CEO
Jules Bartley Executive Operations and Governance Officer
Dan Hickey Director of Fund Development
Diana McAdorey Fund Development Associate
Andrea Boitor Business and Partnership Associate
Jessie Reid Director of Marketing and Engagement
Ingrid Forster Marketing and Communications Manager
Jordy Yack Communications Coordinator
Robert Harte Ticketing Services Manager
Darren Clarke Ticketing Services Lead
Jailla Stuart Ticketing Services Lead
Carlos Robayo Director of Resources and Strategic Initiatives
Kyle Giesbrecht Finance and Accounting Supervisor
Maria Irigoyen Finance and Administrative Associate
Chelsea Marcella HR Generalist
Kathleen Ross Director of Programs and Services
Cathy Carr Film Programmer
Katey Gatta PAC Presents and Community Programmer
Paul Buxton Facilities Manager
Garrett Mitchell Facilities Coordinator
Robert Nicholls Production Manager
Russell Donohue Production Supervisor
(current as of April 2026)
Dean Malton Production Supervisor
Ryan Sturno Production Supervisor
Ernest Harris Film Technician
Jennifer Hunt Client and Events Manager
Jennie DiMarco Events and Hospitality Coordinator
Angela Greer Events and Hospitality Coordinator
Rosemarie Huber Events and Hospitality Coordinator
Leona McDonald Events and Hospitality Coordinator
Chace King Cleaner/Porter Lead
Krysta Boyer Audience Services Manager
Thelma Forrester Volunteer Coordinator / Front of House Lead
Lea Bowman Front of House Lead
Robert Trask Front of House Lead
Judy Dennis Front of House Lead
Donna Pollard Front of House Lead
Melanie Alvis Front of House Lead
IATSE House Crew
Wayne Berge Venue Technician
Elsa McKnight Venue Technician
Kyle Greer Special Operator
Joe Mahony Special Operator
Amanda Lyn Parker Special Operator
Joey Balducchi Lead Stage Hand
The FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre proudly works with IATSE LOCAL 461
The FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre proudly works with IATSE Local 461.
THANK YOU BOARD OF DIRECTORS
(current as of April 2026)
Lloyd Smith Board Chair (effective February 9, 2026)
Christina Atkinson Board Vice Chair / Human Resources
Committee Chair
Shelley Chemnitz Finance & Audit Committee Chair
Peter Partridge Fund Development Committee Chair
Christopher Yendt Governance & Nominations Committee Chair
Stephan Gash Citizen Member
Eileen Martin, Citizen Member
Roz Smith Citizen Member
Victoria Van Hezewyk Citizen Member
Jackie Lindal City Councillor
Robin McPherson City Councillor
Kristine Douglas* CFO / Director of Financial Management Services
and City Treasurer - City of St. Catharines
David Oakes* Chief Administrative Officer -
City of St. Catharines
Tom Irvine* FirstOntario Credit Union Representative
Colleen A. Smith* CEO, FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre
*Non-Voting Member
STAFF & VOLUNTEERS CELEBRATING 10 YEARS AT THE PAC
A huge thank you to the volunteers and staff who have been with us since we opened our doors 10 years ago. We honour your commitment to our organization and helping champion the arts as an essential part of life in Niagara.
THANK YOU
Volunteers
Rick Agnew
Edith Bacon
Monique Charlebois
Dennis Cheredar
Laurie Cheredar
Patt Chivers
Carol Clifford
Linda Cranford
Anita Curran
Bonnie Dearborn
Rita Eastman
Alec Edmondstone
Kevin Ferguson
Jane Hanna
Coby Koene
Trish Loat
John Meguerian
Sharon Meguerian
Chereen Osborne
Pearl Peritalo
Helen Self
Teresa Slobodian
Wendy Szymski
Dianne Turner
Mark Turner
Annette Urlocker
Pattie Webb
Staff
Judy Dennis
Jay Forrester
Thelma Forrester
Kyle Greer
Rosemarie Huber
Leona McDonald
Rob Nicholls
Carlos Robayo
Kathleen Ross
Jordy Yack
Volunteer assisting patrons at the Kune World performance, photograph by Giant Shoe.
THANK YOU SPONSORS
2025 SERIES SPONSORS
2025 PERFORMANCE SPONSORS
HUMAN RESOURCES ADVISORY
2025 PAC BOX SPONSORS
2025 FILM HOUSE SPONSORS
2025 SPARK GALA SPONSORS
2025 COMMUNITY ACCESS SPONSORS
2025 WINE AND BEER SPONSORS
2025 MEDIA SPONSORS
THANK YOU ANNUAL DONORS
To the generous donors who stand behind the PAC year after year, thank you. Your support helps bring artists to our stages, stories to our screens, and meaningful experiences to our community. It creates space for connection, creativity, and discovery, and helps ensure the arts remain an essential part of life in Niagara.
Visionary ($2,400+)
Virginia Atkin & Keith Ambachtsheer
Gord Hatcher
Eileen Martin & Hugh Gayler
Tom Irvine
Elaine & Rick Jenkins
Judith Kingsley
Catharine Krasnik
Patrick Little
Linda Neufeld
Janet Partridge
Peter Partridge & Poppy Gilliam
Peter & Linda Pringle
Tom & Sue Rankin
Robert & Margaret Reid
Colleen A. Smith
Lloyd Smith
Roz Smith
Wade Stayzer
Annette Urlocker
Ambassador ($999-$2,400)
Ineke Brinkman
Shelley Chemnitz
Don Firth
Janet Fraser
Phil & Janice Hutton
Kathy Inch
Bonnie Kinal
Jovie Joki
Anthony Macri
Mark Steinman
Charles & Tina Tenbrinke
Mary Lou Urquhart
Diana Wales & Nick Villella
Carl & Rachel Vaughan
Champions ($400-$999)
Christina Atkinson
John & Bonnie Bakowski
Craig & Judy Bartlett
Belinda Beattie & Jim Beattie
Colleen Beard
Brian Boden
Jo-Ann Boyle-Jackson
Lorne & Barbara Bjorgan
David & Frances Brockenshire
Shirley & Doug Brown
Donna Butler
Arthur Chamberlain
Pamela Cline
Robert & Megan Cooper
Trish Crawford & Jacques Beaudoin
Denise Crockett
Benjamin Dietschi
Dr. Anne Elliot
Stuart Ellis & Wilma Scott
Bill English
Paul Faris
Judith & Hugh Fraser
Nancy Garner
Stephen Gash
Mary Anne Goldsborough
Kevin & Brenda Goodwin
Shelley Griffin
David Horhota
Fayroon & Gerald Kandasamy
Sherry & Jim Keast
Jamie & Kathryn Lalande
Peggy Lampard
Fraser & Karen MacKay
Anthony Macri
Annette Marchionda & Len Hume
Dennis & Bernadette Martin
Jim McArthur & Sandra Smith
Valerie McCormack
Sally McGarr
Joan & Gus Medina
Maria Mendes da Veiga
Cathy & Michael Mondloch
Bob Morris
Wynne Nicholson
Scott Orosz
Chereen Osborne
May Paterson
Tamara Paton
Anita Pilon-Wilhelmson
Carlos Robayo
Kathleen Ross
Mary Anne Sersen
Rathnakar & Geeta Shetty
David & Heather Sloan
Teresa Slobodian
Reg Sonnenberg
Terry Suess
Susan & David Sydor
Colleen Quinn
Ruth Unrau
Victoria Van Hezewyk
Terry Veldboom
Carey & Jeannie Walton
Janis Weaver
Don & Pattie Webb
Ellen Wodchis
Anita Pilon-Wilhelmson
Anna Yasny
Amanda Ziegler & Colin Ryrie
Friends ($175-$399)
David Adames
Carlos Alvarez
Julie Ambachtsheer
John Armstrong
Kristine & Bob Casement
John Chotka
Lesley Choules & Dan Hickey
Pamela Cline
Marilyn Davis
Laura Donatelli
Kristine & Jeff Douglas
M. Kenneth Douglas
Dustin Duncan
Alec Edmonstone
Jayne & Rick Evans
Erin Fischer
Lois Flatley
Heather Foss
Lyn Fox
William Genik
Jill Goebel
Joseph Gottli
Sid & Eileen Grabell
Janna Griffiths
Deborah Guthrie
Peter & Linda Hammond
Beverley Hannah
Susan Heller
Robert & Josephine Henderson
Tom Insinna
Margaret Jordan
Breanne Korody
Alan & Bev Lansbury
Jessica Lindsay
Scott Loomis
Elaine Lott
Marilyn Marsaw
Andrew May
Tiffany Mayer
John Maynard
Les & Joan McCurdy-Myers
Brian McMullan
Ugo Menard
Carol Merriam
Roberta Miller
Janice Moyer
Christine Nolan
Dave Oakes
Colette Pellerin
Brian Patterson
Dallas Petroff
David Picton
Maureen Redman
Elaine Reid
Patricia Rooney
Kathy Sabo
Dianna Sensabaugh
Karen Sills
Muriel Smith
Sandra Smith
Sharon Smith
Mihai Soare
Jim Stirling
Lydia Tarasiuk
Karen Tausendfreund
Diane Thompson
Anne Tytler
Sharon West
Julie Wills
THANK YOU PUBLIC FUNDERS AND SUPPORTERS
We would like to acknowledge the City of St. Catharines Mayor, City Council and staff and Brock University’s President, faculty and staff.
James Barker Band, photograph by Marino Favretto.
FINANCIAL SNAPSHOT
The PAC Resources and Strategic Initiatives team is responsible for preparing the annual budget and business plan, financial statements, and quarterly financial reforecasts, working through the Board’s Finance and Audit Committee. The PAC’s annual operating and capital budgets are submitted by the Board to St. Catharines City Council for approval.
The financial statements of the Board have been prepared in accordance with Canadian public sector accounting standards for government not-for-profit organizations and are audited by KPMG. The following section illustrates our sources of income and areas of expenditure as per the PAC’s 2025 financial statements.
The PAC was registered as a Charitable Organization by the Canada Revenue Agency on January 1, 2025 for the charitable purposes of advancing the public’s appreciation and understanding of the arts and culture by providing accessible performances, festivals, exhibitions, and educational programs; supporting artists with production and presenting facilities; and operating a multi-use public arts centre in downtown St. Catharines for diverse artistic expression and community engagement.
Revenues of $211,053 from the Cultural Capital Investment Fee, an increase of 3% over 2024, will fund the PAC’s Capital Reserve, the PAC’s Equipment Reserve and the St. Catharines Cultural Investment Program (SCCIP).
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION
As at December 31, 2025, with comparative information for 2024
AND NET ASSETS
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
Year ended December 31, 2025, with comparative information for 2024
Pink Martini, photograph by Giant Shoe.