Kingston City Council approves naming rights in recognition of two philanthropic gifts

Last night, Kingston City Council approved naming rights for two interior spaces at Kingston Grand Theatre – a renewal of the Davies Lounge and a dedication of the Walter Fenlon & Linda Ann Daly Box Office.

Davies Lounge Naming Rights Renewed

The Davies Charitable Foundation has reaffirmed its longstanding commitment to Kingston Grand Theatre by renewing naming rights for the Davies Lounge with a generous $100,000 donation. The 10-year agreement will take effect on Jan. 1, 2026, and recognizes the Davies family’s decades-long support of the theatre and the wider Kingston community.

The original naming of The Davies Lounge was approved by Kingston City Council in 1979 following a significant donation by the Davies family. The lounge was rededicated in 2007 as part of the Grand Theatre Restoration Campaign through a renewed contribution from The Davies Charitable Foundation and support from Michael and Elaine Davies.

This latest gift will directly support the Grand OnStage presentation program, enhancing public access through the City’s Municipal Fee Assistance Program. Eligible individuals and families will benefit from reduced-cost tickets, enabling more people to enjoy performances at accessible prices — $15 per ticket for select shows and just $8 for KidStage productions.

"As a family, we believe the arts should be inclusive and accessible. We are honoured to help remove financial barriers so more members of our community can share in the joy and inspiration of live performance at The Grand," says Sam Davies, The Davies Charitable Foundation. "We are grateful to the City of Kingston for this opportunity."

New Naming Rights: Walter Fenlon & Linda Ann Daly Box Office

In recognition of exceptional contributions by two of Kingston’s most dedicated community leaders, the main box office at Kingston Grand Theatre will now bear the name Walter Fenlon & Linda Ann Daly Box Office. This naming honours Walter Fenlon, visionary founder of Imagine Kingston and chair of the Grand Theatre Restoration Foundation, and Linda Ann Daly, a renowned advocate for education, healthcare, tourism and the arts.

Walter Fenlon and Linda Ann Daly have made a five-year commitment of $42,500, continuing their unwavering support of Kingston Grand Theatre’s programming and community engagement. Their donation builds on their years of involvement as donors, subscribers and passionate arts supporters. This naming rights recognition celebrates their enduring impact on the cultural vitality of Kingston and sets an inspiring example for civic leadership. “We are very pleased to support Kingston Grand Theatre and its commitment to offer an exciting and diverse Grand OnStage program,” say Fenlon and Daly. “Our city is continually enriched by arts and culture in its many forms, and we are proud to be part of ensuring our community grows and thrives.”

Both the Davies Lounge and Walter Fenlon & Linda Ann Daly Box Office will be officially dedicated this fall.

Restoring the past, supporting the future

Kingston Grand Theatre’s naming rights are part of an ongoing legacy that began in 2004 when Kingston City Council supported a major restoration effort led by a group of community leaders, ultimately raising $3.35 million through the Grand Theatre Restoration Foundation. Approved naming opportunities have provided meaningful ways to recognize those who make substantial contributions to the arts in Kingston.

For more information on supporting the Kingston Grand Theatre through naming rights please visit the website.