The Government of Canada Invests in Cultural Infrastructure in Inuvik

News release

INUVIK, Northwest Territories, March 2, 2020

Arts and culture events bring people together, stimulate tourism and economic development, and contribute to vibrant, healthy communities. That is why the Government of Canada is committed to investing in the creation and renovation of cultural spaces that host a wide range of events, including festivals, arts performance and community celebrations.

Mr. Michael McLeod, Member of Parliament (Northwest Territories), announced $562,666 in funding for the Town of Inuvik’s Chief Jim Koe Park Redevelopment Project. Mr. McLeod made the announcement on behalf of the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Canadian Heritage.

The Canada Cultural Spaces Fund support will go toward a modern special events pavilion at Chief Jim Koe Park. A new mobile stage, modular decking and accessible bleacher seating will ensure better professional standards for live performances, increase seating capacity, improve accessibility and provide protection from inclement weather.

In August 2019, Mr. McLeod announced $475,000 from CanNor, bringing total Government of Canada investments in the project to more than $1.04 million.

Quotes

“Our government knows that investments in arts and culture infrastructure enrich the lives of Canadians, support vibrant, healthy communities and benefit the local economy. The Town of Inuvik has identified the redevelopment of Chief Jim Koe Park as a community priority and the Government of Canada is pleased to support this vision of a thriving cultural hub for residents, artists and tourists.”

—The Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Canadian Heritage

“Today’s announcement is an important step in the revitalization of Chief Jim Koe Park. In remote communities, particularly in the North, having a practical, flexible space for festivals, celebrations and events is critically important to our sense of community and connection to Indigenous culture and heritage. I am very proud that our government is making this important investment in Inuvik today.”

—Michael McLeod, Member of Parliament (Northwest Territories)

“The Town of Inuvik is very pleased to receive such a generous contribution from Canadian Heritage. These funds will allow our remote Arctic community to support, showcase and promote our local artists, performers, and Indigenous culture for years to come.”

—Jackie Challis, Director of Economic Development and Tourism, Town of Inuvik

Quick facts

  • The Canada Cultural Spaces Fund supports the improvement of physical conditions for arts, heritage, culture and creative innovation, including creative hubs. The fund supports renovation and construction projects, the acquisition of specialized equipment and feasibility studies related to cultural spaces. Since its creation in 2001, the fund has supported more than 1,000 projects, including spaces for performing arts, visual arts, media arts, museum collections, heritage displays and creative hubs.

  • Budget 2017 included $300 million over 10 years for the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund to help support the development of Canadian talent and promote entrepreneurship in the arts and cultural communities. These investments help create jobs, boost economic activity, strengthen communities and celebrate Canada’s rich cultural heritage.

  • The Town of Inuvik’s Chief Jim Koe Park Special Events Pavilion project includes: the purchase of a mobile trailer stage; installation of aluminum staging, deck and guard rails; new storage and transportation trolleys for decks and guard rails; five-tier accessible aluminum bleachers; a commercial tent; and site preparation for equipment installation and arrangement.

Associated links

Contacts

For more information (media only), please contact:

Camille Gagné-Raynauld
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage
819-997-7788

Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155
pch.media-media.pch@canada.ca

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