On August 19, 2025, Wrenford City Council approved the 2026 arts and culture budget, setting aside $2.8 million to support local artists, cultural organizations, and heritage programs across the city.
"Investing in our creative community is an investment in the soul of Wrenford," said Mayor Danielle Okafor-Price. "These funds will help keep our galleries open, our festivals lively, and our heritage sites preserved for everyone to enjoy."
The approved budget covers four main areas to help you access and enjoy local culture:
- Operating grants ($1.2 million): Funding for 45 non-profit groups that run programs at the Fallsview Arts Centre, Railside Gallery, and neighbourhood community centres. This ensures classes, performances, and exhibitions stay affordable and accessible.
- Project grants ($75,000): New money for the Community arts funding grants program. This supports one-time projects like local music festivals, youth dance workshops, and heritage storytelling events.
- Capital improvements ($1.35 million): Upgrades to city-owned cultural spaces. This includes new seating and acoustic panels for the Fallsview main theatre, and expanded gallery walls at the Railside Gallery to host larger exhibits.
- Heritage and public art ($150,000): Grants for the Heritage properties conservation program and funding to add new pieces to the Public Art Collection across parks and transit terminals.
"This budget reflects what our residents have told us: they want accessible, diverse cultural programming and well-maintained historic spaces," said Fiona Gallagher, General Manager of Community Services. "We are proud to deliver on that promise and keep Wrenford's creative scene thriving."
You can view the full 2026 budget details on the Budget page. If you run a cultural group and want to apply for funding, visit the Arts & Heritage section for application deadlines and guidelines.
The City of Wrenford continues to focus on arts and culture as a core part of community building, in line with the arts and culture plan.