Governments of Canada and Quebec invest in relocation and expansion of Maison Théâtre to help revitalize Montréal’s East End
News release
Montréal, Quebec, July 6, 2026 — The Maison Théâtre will move into a new, modern, accessible, inclusive building to better serve young audiences, artists, and the community, thanks to a $43.5 million investment from the Government of Quebec, the Government of Canada, and the City of Montreal.
The announcement was made by Mathieu Lacombe, Minister of Culture and Communications, the Honorable Steven Guilbeault, Member of Parliament for Laurier–Sainte-Marie, and Soraya Martinez Ferrada, Mayor of Montréal. Mr. Guilbeault spoke on behalf of the Honorable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry, Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED) and Member of Parliament for Ahuntsic–Cartierville, and the Honourable Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure. The Minister Responsible for the Metropolis and the Montréal Region and Member for Pointe-aux-Trembles, Chantal Rouleau, was also present.
The project announced today, on which Maison Théâtre has been working for many years, involves the construction of a new building to ensure the continuity of its mission following the landlord’s repossession of its current premises. Designed according to the principles of universal accessibility and inclusion, the new facility—which will be entirely carbon-neutral and use greener energy sources—will include two performance halls, creative spaces, and a mediation room.
More specifically, the project involves the construction of a performance hall with accessible, inclusive creative spaces to serve as a venue for performances, as well as the acquisition and installation of stage equipment. Once completed, this project will promote access to the performing arts for children, teenagers, and families, while providing emerging artists and artists from Indigenous and ethnocultural communities with suitable spaces for creating and presenting their work.
By establishing itself in the Angus sector of the Rosemont–La Petite-Patrie borough, this project will help attract new audiences and visitors. It will also boost the commercial vitality of the neighbourhood and related sectors such as restaurants, events, and professional services related to cultural production. These benefits will help energize the community and contribute to the sustainable revitalization of Montréal’s East End.
The Government of Quebec is investing $25 million in this project. The Government of Canada is contributing $15 million from Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada, and $2.5 million from CED. For its part, the City of Montréal is contributing $1 million.
Quotes
“With this financial support, the Government of Quebec is backing the Maison Théâtre and helping to enrich a vital cultural offering for young people. A veritable performing arts institution, the Maison Théâtre plays a key role by making the performing arts accessible to as many people as possible. Its move to a larger space will foster its development and expand its reach, while also contributing to the city’s cultural vibrancy.”
Mathieu Lacombe, Minister of Culture and Communications
“The revitalization of Montréal’s East End also involves culture. With the relocation of the Maison Théâtre to the Angus neighbourhood, our government is investing in a project that will promote the arts among young people, while also helping to transform this sector into a dynamic, inclusive, attractive living environment. This announcement aligns with our vision for a stronger East End in Montréal, where investments in culture, public transportation, health and economic development are complementary, offering families neighbourhoods that are ever more vibrant and prosperous.”
Chantal Rouleau, Minister Responsible for Social Solidarity and Community Action, Minister Responsible for the Metropolis and the Montréal Region and Member for Pointe-aux-Trembles
“Cultural infrastructure is at the heart of dynamic and prosperous communities. By supporting the relocation and expansion of the Maison Théâtre, our government is investing in a carbon‑neutral project that will promote access to culture, support artistic creation, and contribute to the cultural, economic, and social vitality of Montréal’s East End.”
The Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Member of Parliament for Laurier–Sainte-Marie
“A strong economy is built on strong communities. The Government of Canada is proud to support the relocation and expansion of the Maison Théâtre through an investment that demonstrates our commitment to the transformation of Montréal’s East End. Through this funding, we are helping not only to revitalize the area’s economy but also to make it a better place to live. This project’s contribution to the economic and cultural vitality of the East End will have a lasting impact, with positive benefits for the entire community.”
The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry, Minister responsible for CED and Member of Parliament for Ahuntsic–Cartierville
“The Maison Théâtre holds a very special place in Montréal’s cultural landscape. For more than 40 years, it has introduced young people to the magic of the performing arts and nurtured their curiosity, creativity, and imagination. We are very proud to support this major project, which will allow the theater to continue to thrive in facilities tailored to today’s needs. It is also a wonderful example of what can be achieved when governments join forces to create dynamic living and cultural environments at the heart of our communities.”
Soraya Martinez Ferrada, Mayor of Montréal
“It is with great gratitude that the Maison Théâtre and the entire children’s and youth theatre community welcome these commitments from the three levels of government. You are thereby ensuring the continued success of the Maison Théâtre’s mission. This support recognizes the essential role that the arts play in the development of young people and in the vitality of our communities.”
Marie-Krystine Longpré, Chair of the Board of Directors of the Maison Théâtre
“The Maison Théâtre and all the artists who have shaped this space since its founding in 1982 celebrate the opportunities offered by the construction of their new home in the Angus neighborhood. The expansion of spaces to dream, create, and connect with children and teenagers will provide an inspiring foundation for the discovery of the performing arts for current and future generations. We are already looking forward to our communities embracing this unique place of beauty and sharing, which helps shape both personal and collective experiences.”
Sophie Labelle, Artistic Director of Maison Théâtre
Quick facts
- The total cost of the Maison Théâtre relocation project is estimated at nearly $45.5 million.
- A major campaign will be launched shortly to support this relocation project.
Associated links
- Plan québécois des infrastructures [In French only]
- Green and Inclusive Community Buildings
- Strengthened Climate Plan
- Housing and Infrastructure Project Map
- Initiative to Support Economic Development in Montréal’s East End
Contacts
For more information (media only), please contact:
Arianna Durgerian
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Housing and Infrastructure
Arianna.Durgerian@infc.gc.ca
Media Relations
Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada
613-960-9251
Toll-free: 1-877-250-7154
Email: media@infc.gc.ca
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Web: Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada
Catherine Boucher
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Culture and Communications
418-802-6833
catherine.boucher@mcc.gouv.qc.ca
Media Relations
Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions
media@dec-ced.gc.ca
Gabrielle Landry
Deputy Director, Media Relations
Office of the Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions
gabrielle.landry@ised-isde.gc.ca
Justine Lesage
Media Relations, City of Montréal
263-999-7617
justine.lesage@montreal.ca
Isabelle Boisclair
Executive Director
Maison Théâtre
514-288-7211
iboisclair@maisontheatre.com