Saint John Theatre Company unveils energy efficient upgrades
News release
August 19, 2024 · Saint John, New Brunswick · Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)
By investing in green modernization projects, organizations and businesses can increase efficiencies, lower operational costs and build resiliency in their communities. The governments of Canada and of New Brunswick are investing to help a leading Canadian performing arts organization make energy efficiency improvements to expand operations and improve visitor experience.
Today, Wayne Long, Member of Parliament for Saint John – Rothesay, announced total contributions of $134,240 for the Saint John Theatre Company (SJTC). The announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA, and the Honourable Pascale St-Onge, Minister of Canadian Heritage. The Province of New Brunswick is also contributing $60,000 toward the project.
The funding will help SJTC replace the current heating system at its BMO Studio Theatre with an energy-efficient heat and ventilation recovery system. The new equipment will greatly improve the overall visitor experience at the Theatre, allowing SJTC to expand operations and host more events during the summer months.
Through strategic investments like this one, the Government of Canada is helping Atlantic Canadians take steps to address climate change, transition to a low-carbon economy and set the stage for a strong, sustainable future.
Quotes
“Embracing green innovation and sustainable practices isn’t just good for the planet, it’s also lowering costs and allowing local businesses to grow. These important upgrades will help ensure that this Saint John landmark can continue welcoming theatre-going crowds for years to come.”
- The Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA.
“The BMO Studio Theatre is an important part of the community that serves the growing arts scene in Saint John. State-of-the-art theatre infrastructure is essential in creating vibrant spaces for performers and audiences. With these enhancements, the Saint John Theatre Company will continue to serve as a leading cultural hub for the city and region.”
- The Honourable Pascale St-Onge, Minister of Canadian Heritage
“I am so pleased that our government, through ACOA, is supporting green projects like this one with SJTC. Upgrades to the ventilation system at the BMO Studio Theatre will make the space more comfortable and energy efficient, helping to attract more visitors and bringing economic benefits to the region.”
- Wayne Long, Member of Parliament for Saint John – Rothesay
“The province is pleased to support the upgrades to the heating infrastructure at the Saint John Theatre Company. This investment will help reduce the costs of their operations, place the company in a position to bring more performances to the stage and at the same time, contribute to the province’s goal of transitioning to a low-carbon economy.”
- Réjean Savoie, Minister of Indigenous Affairs and minister responsible for the Regional Development Corporation
“The BMO Studio has been hosting a broad range of events since 2008, including SJTC events, professional ARC productions, Live Music, the Fundy Fringe Festival, as well as a broad range of community events. These provincial and federal contributions, allowing for the state-of-the-art upgrades to the BMO Studio HVAC systems, will make our venue more comfortable for artists and audiences. The upgrades will also improve the air quality of our venue, while reducing the carbon footprint of our organization. As always, we are deeply grateful to our funders, ACOA, Canadian Heritage and the Regional Development Corporation, for making these upgrades possible.”
- Stephen Tobias, Executive Director, Saint John Theatre Company
Quick facts
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The Saint John Theatre Company (SJTC) aims to change lives through performance. They produce and present both professional and community-based performances, with a commitment to entertaining, educating, employing, and enriching their community.
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The Annual Fundy Fringe Festival is a notable initiative put on by SJTC and is an exciting event that celebrates independent theatre and fosters creativity.
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The Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency is providing a contribution of $84,240 for this project, through the Innovative Communities Fund (ICF), which supports projects that promote sustainable community economic development by finding opportunities for growth and investing in initatives that lead to long-term employment and a stronger local economy.
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Canadian Heritage is providing $50,000 through the Community Spaces Fund, which provides funding to official language minority communities for projects to build new community and cultural spaces, renovate and upgrade infrastructure and multi-purpose spaces in more community centres not attached to educational institutions.
Associated links
Contacts
Connor Burton
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Connor.Burton@acoa-apeca.gc.ca
Amanda Jensen
Communications Officer
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Amanda.Jensen@acoa-apeca.gc.ca
Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155
media@pch.gc.ca
Mary-Anne Hurley-Corbyn
Communications
Regional Development Corporation
mary-anne.hurley-corbyn@gnb.ca
Stephen Tobias
Executive Director
Saint John Theatre Company
stephen@saintjohntheatrecompany.com
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