Helping Northern Ontario grow its creative economy and cultural tourism
News Release
Government of Canada invests $12.5 million to capitalize on Francophone arts and culture and grow the economy
October 13, 2017 – Sudbury, ON – Federal Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario - FedNor
Greater Sudbury will soon be home to a new multi-disciplinary arts centre thanks in part to a Government of Canada investment of $3 million. The arts complex will include a state-of-the-art 300-seat performance hall, an art gallery, studios and multi-purpose spaces.
The funding was announced today by Paul Lefebvre, Member of Parliament for Sudbury, and Marc Serré, Member of Parliament for Nickel Belt, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for FedNor.
The Place des Arts will use this investment to assist with the construction of a five-storey, 60,000-square-foot building in downtown Sudbury. Specifically, the FedNor funding will enable the francophone organization to install cutting-edge technology and innovative energy-efficiency solutions such as a solar wall and green roof; a rainwater recovery system; and LED lighting throughout the building.
Today, the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage, also announced funding of $9.5 million to support Place des Arts du Grand Sudbury, a multi-use arts centre in Sudbury’s downtown core. This funding, provided by the department of Canadian Heritage through the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund, brings the total federal investment to $12.5 million.
Quotes
“The Government of Canada is committed to building a strong, clean and sustainable economy that provides quality middle-class jobs for Canadians. By investing in environmentally friendly projects, such as this one at Sudbury’s Place des Arts, we have helping communities capitalize on their strength to build a more diversified economy while contributing to a healthier environment.”
- The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, and Minister responsible for FedNor
“Our government is proud to support the economic vitality of Greater Sudbury’s Francophone arts and culture community. Thanks to this investment, through FedNor, artists from across the region will soon have a unique state-of-the art performance and presentation facility which is sure to benefit both the people and businesses of Northern Ontario.”
- Paul Lefebvre, Member of Parliament for Sudbury
“Today's announcement is a tremendous boost to the local economy as the Place des Arts will not only help local artists, performers and presenters access a modern and efficient facility but it will generate economic development and tourism opportunities for entrepreneurs and businesses throughout the Greater Sudbury and Nickel Belt region."
- Marc Serré, Member of Parliament for Nickel Belt
“A vibrant city core is the heart and soul of a community, and we are delighted the Government of Canada, through FedNor, is supporting the Place des Arts. We look forward to seeing a greater number of visitors in the downtown. This revolutionary place will help foster economic activity and diversity in the local economy, all while celebrating art and our francophone heritage.”
- Brian Bigger, Mayor, Greater Sudbury
Quick Facts
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The funding announced today is provided through FedNor’s Northern Ontario Development Program, which supports projects that promote sustainable community economic development, enhance business development and growth, and facilitate innovation throughout the region.
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In 2007, a group of seven arts, culture and heritage organizations in the Greater Sudbury area created the Regroupement des organismes culturels de Sudbury (ROCS). In 2010, ROCS founders, le Carrefour francophone, le Centre franco-ontarien de folklore, les Éditions Prise de parole, la Galerie du Nouvel-Ontario, La Nuit sur l’étang, le Salon du livre du Grand Sudbury et le Théâtre du Nouvel-Ontario took the lead on securing funding for a multipurpose Francophone arts facility.
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With construction slated to begin summer 2018, Place des Arts will be the first multidisciplinary professional arts centre in Greater Sudbury.
Associated Links
Contacts
Carol Deguire
Communications Officer
FedNor
705-626-6119
carol.deguire@canada.ca