April 18, 2006
Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island
With assistance from the Atlantic Canada Opportunities
Agency (ACOA) and the Department of Canadian Heritage, the
Confederation Centre of the Arts will undergo extensive
renovations to provide barrier-free access for visitors to
the facility."The Confederation Centre of the Arts is an important part
of PEI's cultural experience. The Government of Canada is
pleased to support this project that will provide visitors
with better access to this showcase for Canadian visual and
performing arts," said the Honourable Peter MacKay,
Minister of Foreign Affairs and ACOA, who announced ACOA's
support for the project this morning in a speech to the
Charlottetown Chamber of Commerce. "This investment in the Confederation Centre of the Arts is
a tangible sign of our Government's commitment to the
development of the arts, culture, and heritage in all
regions of Canada," said Minister of Canadian Heritage and
Status of Women Beverley J. Oda. "These renovations will
enable this national institution to continue to play a
leading role on our country's cultural scene."Upgrades, expected to be completed by late spring, will
include the installation of a new elevator and renovations
to an existing elevator, construction of a new main
entrance and upgrades to the outdoor Art Gallery entrance.
ACOA will provide $500,000 through its Business Development
Program and the Department of Canadian Heritage will
contribute $500,000 though its Cultural Spaces Program. The
Confederation Centre of the Arts will contribute $100,000
to the project. "With this latest renovation, we ensure that our patrons
and artists receive an excellent cultural experience in a
modern, high-quality facility that is accessible to
everyone," says Confederation Centre CEO David MacKenzie.
Jana Parker
ACOA PEI & Tourism
(902) 368-0264
Donald Boulanger
A/Chief, Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819 997-9314
Kevin Dubé
Regional Communications Officer
Heritage, Atlantic
(506) 851-3322
Anna MacDonald
Confederation Centre of the Arts
(902) 628-6135
BACKGROUNDERConstructed in 1964 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of
The Charlottetown Conference, the Confederation Centre of
the Arts is Canada's national memorial to the Fathers of
Confederation. The Centre has a mandate to inspire
Canadians to celebrate the nation through heritage and
arts. ACOA's Business Development Program provides financial
assistance to small and medium-sized enterprises to
establish, expand and modernize operations. The program
offers access to capital in the form of interest-free,
unsecured, repayable contributions. Non-profit
organizations that provide economic benefits to an area or
community are also eligible for support. FOR BROADCAST USE ONLY:The Confederation Centre of the Arts will undergo major
upgrades to improve accessibility thanks to funding from
the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and the Department
of Canadian Heritage. Upgrades will include the
installation of a new elevator and renovations to an
existing elevator, construction of a new main entrance and
upgrades to the outdoor Art Gallery entrance. Renovations
are expected to be completed by late spring.
