The importance of downtown spurs new support for the Performing Arts Centre

Downtowns are powerful symbols of the economic and cultural health of a city – boasting iconic landmarks, independent businesses, community spaces and unique neighborhoods.

They are also often hotbeds of business creativity, entrepreneurship, economic and cultural diversity, and an attraction for tourists, residents, and newcomers alike. A city’s downtown area plays an important and unique role in economic and social development: it creates a critical concentration of commercial, cultural, and civic activities. This concentration facilitates local business, learning, growth and valuable cultural exchange.

These facts weren’t lost on David J. Wilson.

David was born in Fredericton and became president of Wilson Insurance on Queen Street in 1970, succeeding his father, W. Hedley Wilson, who started the business in 1930. In 2011, he handed over the management of Wilson Insurance to his daughter Heather, yet he continued to build the business with her and the team and was a fixture in downtown Fredericton right up until his passing in 2019. 

David recognized the importance of downtown Fredericton as the heart of the community at a time when the city was divided over the uptown-downtown debate. As a City Councillor during that time, he helped establish a compromise that allowed both “towns” to expand and grow in ways that would suit the needs of each.

Throughout his life, David gave extensively of his time and talents to help make Fredericton a thriving place to live, work and play. He spent many hours volunteering for charitable and community organizations and was a generous philanthropist.

Now, both of his daughters, Jodie and Heather, are taking up the reins of investing in the future of downtown Fredericton. Through the Wilson Family Foundation, they have made a generous gift to the Encore! campaign for the Performing Arts Centre.

As recognition of this support, the spacious and beautiful second-floor lobby of the Performing Arts Centre will be named the hall d’entrée David J. Wilson Lobby.

Jodie knows that her father would have been so impressed with the Performing Arts Centre project as the heartbeat of a vibrant downtown core. “Dad would have seen this as a way to give back to the city, and the citizens of Fredericton. And while he preferred to steer clear of the spotlight, he would be honoured to be in such good company of so many of the project’s generous supporters, including his cousin, John T. Clark (and the late Wilma Clark) and good family friend, Lois Walker Gillin (and the late Punchy Walker).”

Jodie and Heather Wilson with Tim Yerxa of Fredericton Playhouse Inc.

Jodie says that the family grew up with music in their lives. “Mom and Dad were both musical and while dating, sang together in the annual Variety Show at UNB. We were fortunate that their music continued to fill our home. Then when we had the opportunity as kids to discover theatre, dance and more music at the Playhouse, it opened our eyes to the world beyond and spurred our imaginations. Recognizing how important performances were for us as children, we appreciate that this campaign supports access to performances through an expansion of the school field trips and Kidstage Series that the Playhouse provides, so children and their families can connect, learn and grow together.”

“As a family, we’re pleased to be able to support this iconic downtown venue - a legacy for the performing arts in Fredericton and beyond. Performances are good for the heart, mind and soul as they foster deep connections. You get the opportunity to connect with who and what’s happening up on the stage and be moved by that, but you also get the chance to connect with the audience that is sharing the experience with you. And that can be powerful. We look forward to enjoying plenty of heartfelt connections in the new centre.”

Every gift, no matter the size, is impactful in the Encore! campaign for the new Performing Arts Centre and the expansion of access programs within in. All gifts will be recognized within the new building. Learn more and make a gift!