TORONTO, Ontario - The Government of Canada has announced its intention to set aside up to $25 million toward the Toronto International Film Festival Group’s Festival Centre, a global centre to celebrate film and the moving image. The project has been identified as a priority for federal infrastructure funding. Minister of State John Godfrey (Infrastructure and Communities), Minister Joe Volpe (Citizenship and Immigration), Minister Liza Frulla (Heritage) and Minister of State (Families and Caregivers) Tony Ianno joined Piers Handling, Director and CEO of the Toronto International Film Festival Group (TIFFG) and film director Ivan Reitman to make this important announcement. “The Government of Canada is proud to support Festival Centre and to foster the cultural sustainability of Toronto, in line with our New Deal for Cities and Communities,” said Minister Godfrey. “Investing in cultural infrastructure is key to the vibrancy and success of Canada’s cities, along with investments in their economic, social and environmental infrastructure. This includes investments in things such as mass transit in the GTA.” Festival Centre is a year-round landmark for the celebration and study of cinema that houses TIFFG’s programming activities and includes theatres, a film reference library, gallery spaces, and an education centre for all ages. Festival Centre is a stunning five storey complex situated on the northwest corner of King and John streets, in the heart of Toronto’s entertainment district. It is designed by award-winning Toronto-based architectural firm Kuwabara Payne McKenna Blumberg (KPMB). Festival Centre is set to open in 2008. "This investment will support Toronto’s position as a modern, world-class city with an international reputation for culture," said Minister Volpe. “We are also pleased to be an equal co-funder of this project with the Government of Ontario. This is another strong example of the partnership between our two governments that has led to many joint, sound infrastructure investments in this province.” “The Government of Canada is committed to supporting the Toronto International Film Festival Group, which showcases an outstanding selection of Canadian and international films,” said Minister Frulla. “This organization is an excellent example of the tremendous energy that a thriving arts and culture scene can bring to our communities.” “This is exceptional news for the Group,” said Piers Handling, TIFFG Director and CEO. “Our goal is to provide more access to more films for more people and to encourage the growth and celebration of Canadian and international cinema. Festival Centre is the expression of that vision.” An independent survey conducted in 2002 reported that the total economic impact of the Toronto International Film Festival Group was $67 million. TIFFG’s activities include the Toronto International Film Festival®, Cinematheque Ontario, Sprockets Toronto International Film Festival for Children, the Film Reference Library, Film Circuit, Canada’s Top Ten, Industry Initiatives Office, and Talk Cinema. Canada’s contribution to Festival Centre would be managed under the Canada Strategic Infrastructure Fund (CSIF). Through this Fund, the Government of Canada collaborates with provincial and territorial governments as well as with municipalities and the private sector to meet strategic infrastructure needs throughout the country. The Government of Canada will work with the Toronto International Film Festival Group on the Festival Centre project to evaluate and finalize the project details for funding. The priority project will be subject to meeting applicable federal and provincial requirements, including the completion of an environmental assessment. Details of the Government of Canada’s investment will be outlined upon the signing of the partners’ contribution agreement. Festival Centre is developed by the King & John Festival Corporation, a partnership comprising Ivan Reitman, his sisters Susan Michaels and Agi Mandel, and The Daniels Corporation. Canada and Ontario have also previously committed to provide a joint $233 million, through the CSIF and the Canada-Ontario Infrastructure program, to a variety of infrastructure modernization and improvement projects at cultural institutions including: Royal Ontario Museum, Canadian Opera Company, Art Gallery of Ontario, National Ballet School, Royal Conservatory of Music, George R. Gardiner Museum of Ceramic Art and Roy Thomson Hall. Through the New Deal for Cities and Communities, the Government of Canada is taking constructive steps to engage and consult with stakeholders, to continue to promote new partnerships between federal, provincial, and municipal governments and to deliver stable, predictable, long-term funding for cities and communities in urban and rural areas. Ontario communities will receive $1865.5 million over the next five years for environmentally sustainable unicipal infrastructure, through the sharing of federal gas tax revenues. -30- Contacts: Office of Minister Volpe Stephen Heckbert Director of Communications (613) 954-1064 Office of Minister Godfrey Carla Ventin Director of Communications (613) 948-2688 Office of Minister Frulla Jean-François Del Torchio Press Secretary (819) 997-7788 Toronto International Film Festival Group Gabrielle Free Director of Communications (416) 934-3232 Infrastructure Canada Communications and Promotion (613) 948-1148 www.infrastructure.gc.ca
