Budget 2024: Growing communities and rebuilding Toronto’s Blackhurst Cultural Centre

From: Department of Finance Canada

News release

June 2, 2024 – Toronto, Ontario – Department of Finance Canada

Growing communities need more infrastructure. Community facilities, like libraries, cultural and community centres, and recreation facilities, are essential spaces for social interaction where Canadians can come together as neighbours. That is why the federal government committed to investing in cities and towns across the country.

Today in Toronto, the Honourable Chrystia Freeland, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, the Honourable Marci Ien, Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth, and Her Worship Olivia Chow, Mayor of Toronto, announced a joint investment of $14.12 million for the Blackhurst Cultural Centre’s second phase expansion.

By rebuilding a heritage building currently owned by the City of Toronto, the Blackhurst Cultural Centre—a Black-led non-profit organization in Mirvish Village—will be able to expand its role as Toronto’s hub for Black culture and history.

Upon completion in 2025, the expanded Blackhurst Cultural Centre will create new, enriched opportunities for more Torontonians to enjoy programing focused on the history of Canadians of African and Caribbean ancestry through literature, music, drama, dance, and visual arts. 

The investment will result in more cost-effective non-profit operations, thanks to increased energy efficiency—a priority of the federal government’s Green and Inclusive Community Buildings program. The expanded, more accessible space will help Black artists and community members to flourish, with a soundproofed drumming studio, an art gallery, a digital podcast room, a bookstore, and multi-purpose community spaces.

Quotes

“The Blackhurst Cultural Centre is an important cultural hub where all Torontonians can share in the rich culture and history of Canadians of African and Caribbean ancestry. Today’s investment is about ensuring Toronto remains a culturally vibrant city for generations to come. This investment to create new spaces for Black artists to cultivate and showcase their talents is just one example of how our government is helping revitalize communities across the country and helping Canadians connect with their neighbours.”

The Honourable Chrystia Freeland, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance

“This is fantastic news for the City of Toronto and the community. The Blackhurst Cultural Centre will serve this growing community by offering a wide range of cultural programs and activities. This meaningful investment from the federal government will ensure the Cultural Centre will be built to net-zero carbon standards, be barrier-free, and inclusive for the entire community.”

The Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities

“By creating dynamic spaces for art, education, and connections, we preserve history while inspiring future generations. Our investment in the expansion of the Blackhurst Cultural Centre will achieve precisely that. It will enable the Centre to welcome more visitors and celebrate the rich heritage of Canadians of African and Caribbean ancestry.”

The Honourable Pascale St-Onge, Minister of Canadian Heritage 

“Today’s announcement of over $14 million for the Blackhurst Cultural Centre is a monumental step towards empowering Black Canadian artists and preserving our rich cultural heritage. This funding will help Black Canadian artists push creative boundaries and share their work. It will offer the community a place to gather, learn, and grow together—and it will ensure the stories, traditions, and contributions of Black Canadians continue to inspire future generations. Black Canadian History is Canadian History.”

The Honourable Marci Ien, Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth 

Quick facts

  • The federal government is investing a total of $11.34 million in the Blackhurst Cultural Centre, consisting of $7.84 million through the Green and Inclusive Community Buildings program and $3.5 million through Canadian Heritage’s Canada Cultural Spaces Fund. The City of Toronto is contributing $2.78 million, for a joint investment of $14.12 million.

  • The Green and Inclusive Community Buildings program was created in support of Canada’s Strengthened Climate Plan: A Healthy Environment and a Healthy Economy. It is supporting the Plan’s first pillar by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, increasing energy efficiency, and helping develop higher resilience to climate change.

  • The Green and Inclusive Community Buildings program was launched in 2021, with an initial investment of $1.5 billion over five years towards green and accessible community centre construction, retrofits, repairs, or upgrades.

  • Budget 2024 announced a $500 million top-up to the Green and Inclusive Community Buildings program, to support more projects across Canada.

Associated links

Contacts

Media may contact:

Katherine Cuplinskas
Press Secretary and Senior Communications Advisor
Office of the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance
Katherine.Cuplinskas@fin.gc.ca

Media Relations
Department of Finance Canada
mediare@fin.gc.ca
613-369-4000

Micaal Ahmed
Communications Manager
Office of the Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities
343-598-3920
micaal.ahmed@infc.gc.ca

Media Relations
Infrastructure Canada
613-960-9251
Toll free: 1-877-250-7154
Email: media-medias@infc.gc.ca

General enquiries

Phone: 1-833-712-2292
TTY: 613-369-3230
E-mail: financepublic-financepublique@fin.gc.ca

Stay Connected

Page details

Date modified: