The Tivoli Theatre in Hamilton opened in 1924 as a combination vaudeville and movie house. The Tivoli complex originally held a carriage factory, and then a small storefront nickelodeon in 1907.
The theatre closed as a movie house in 1990, and reopened as a venue for live stage shows in 1995. The building has been designated a historic site under the Ontario Heritage Act.
CBYE acquired the building in 2006
Capital campaign to restore the historical theatre
-- The Soul of the City
The Canadian Ballet Youth Ensemble (CBYE) proudly announces its Toonies for Tivoli – Soul
of the City campaign. The goal of the campaign is to raise ($5 million) to restore the historic,
heritage-listed Tivoli Theatre on James Street North.
In 2006, CBYE Chief Executive Belma Diamante purchased the dilapidated theatre – one
of the oldest in Canada – for a mere $2. Her hope was to develop the building located in the
heart of Hamilton’s flourishing cultural centre into a contemporary and thriving city theatre.
Once completed, the refurbished theatre will sustain a space to nurture local talent and to
generate ancillary revenue for the city.
To raise the required capital needed to restore the former community hub, the CBYE is calling
on citizens to embrace and contribute to the project.
With a donation of a toonie, or more, each citizen can become an integral part of revamping a
local landmark.
That way, the community as a whole can truly stake claim in the project. It can also play a
lead role in directing our city’s image, our local culture, the strength of our core and our quality
of life in general.
The restoration of the Tivoli Theatre would no doubt complement the city’s burgeoning arts
and culture community.
However, we believe the project will be of mutual benefit – artistically, educationally and
economically – to all Hamiltonians.
New Tivoli Campaign Chair Person David Bailey
In the early part of my career, I was employed by well known local companies in Brantford., such as:
Old Country Furniture
Eaton’s
Discount Wallpaper Warehouse
After making the decision to venture on my own, business was conducted strictly by word of mouth.
Now, many years later, I enjoy the benefit of walk-by traffic in the Victorian Village of St. George, as a stylish sign stands on the front lawn of my place of business. I am easily accessible to a rapidly growing residential area from Toronto to London, and everywhere in between.
My clientele spans throughout the province, as far east as Buckhorn Bay, reaching north to Tobermory, as far west as Windsor and the most southern tip in Ontario, Point Pelee. Having completed my formal education at schools in Toronto and Europe, I have gone full circle, as I have returned to my rural roots - a choice that fits well with my lifestyle and chosen profession.
Giving back to my community has become substantial part of my life. Brantford and Brant County have been very supportive and for that I will always be grateful. For five (5) years, I have served as chair of the annual Applefest here in St. George, ON. This Free community event attracts over thirty thousand (30,000) for this two day event.
Just a few of my accreditations:
Served as the President of the South Dumfries Trade and Tourism Association from 2000 to
2001.
Ontario Heritage Award for Appreciation and Preservation of Provincial Heritage Properties in 2002
Nominated for the Brantford-Brant County Citizen of the Year Award in 2002
Chaired the 2005 Brantford - Brant United Way Campaign, raising one million, four hundred thousand dollars ($1,4000,000.00). Money which supports United Way Agencies in the local community
Served on the Board of Directors for the Brantford Club for many years; served as the club’s president in 2007
Received the Paul Harris Fellowship Award form the Brantford Rotary Club in 2010. The Rotary’s highest award of achievement.
Received the Len Ellins’ Memorial Award as a “Celebration of Youth” for my work with the Boys and Girls Club of Brantford in 2010
Voted as Brantford’s favourite decorator three times by peoples choice in the Penny Saver
I was responsible for four (4) of the five (5) Rotary Dream Homes (as interior decorator ). The money that was raised was directed to the youth of Brantford through several agencies we support, for example: Landsdowne Children’s Centre and Boys and Girls Club.
I remain and serve on the following boards:
Board of Directors of the Boys and Girls Club of Brantford
Board of Directors of Brantwood
Board of Directors of the Rotary Club of Brantford
In late 2010, I was appointed to a four (4) year term on the Police Services Board - Brant O.P.P.
Member of the Empire Club Toronto
To learn more about the
Toonies for Tivoli – Soul of the City campaign, and how you can help,
please call (905) 512-1453 or email us atcapitalcampaign@cbye.ca
