SHARON, Ontario, March 5, 2007 - On behalf of the Honourable Beverley J. Oda, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Status of Women, the Honourable Peter Van Loan, Leader of the Government in the House of Commons, Minister for Democratic Reform and Member of Parliament (York-Simcoe), today announced funding of $25,000 for the Sharon Temple Museum Society. These funds will support a feasibility study to assess options for the design of a new interpretive centre dedicated to the organization's role in highlighting Canada's early democratic movement.
"Canada's New Government is proud to invest in an organization that recognizes the importance of celebrating our country's democratic tradition," said Minister Oda. "I commend the Sharon Temple Museum Society's efforts to educate Canadians about the value of civic participation."
"This unique site is not only a key attraction for residents and tourists to the Sharon area, but also a vital cultural and community resource for the region," said Minister Van Loan. "The Sharon Temple Museum Society is a designated National Historic Site, and is a valuable cultural and historical resource for Canadians. Canada's New Government is pleased to offer our support."
"With the support of Canadian Heritage, the Sharon Temple Museum Society is closer to realizing its vision-providing public programs in a facility that will highlight our national treasure, the Sharon Temple, and emphasize the role of its founders in the development of democratic practices and social justice," said Jenny Carver, President of the Board of the Sharon Temple Museum Society. "Through this federal support, we will be able to carry out a feasibility study, which will help us to ensure that our collection, program, site, and facilities are accessible, sustainable, and highly engaging for our current communities and our future audiences."
The Sharon Temple Museum Society is a not-for-profit museum, cultural, educational and community centre that was designated as a National Historic Site in 1990. The temple was built between 1825 and 1831 by the Children of Peace, a group of "plain folk" former Quakers who espoused the values of peace, equality, and social justice and who were instrumental in the development of democracy in Canada. Due to structural constraints, the temple cannot be heated, and is therefore only operational during the summer season. It attracts about 5,000 visitors annually who explore the educational site and museum, and attend cultural and community events.
Canada's New Government has provided this financial support through the Cultural Spaces Canada program of the Department of Canadian Heritage. This program supports cultural infrastructure projects that increase access for Canadians to performing, visual, and media arts, and to museum collections, heritage displays, and exhibitions. Funding is also provided for the construction and renovation of arts and heritage facilities, for the purchase of specialized equipment, and for feasibility studies and projects to transform buildings into arts or heritage facilities.
Information:
Véronique Bruneau
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Status of Women
819 997-7788
Darlene Stone
Executive Assistant
Office of the Member of Parliament for York-Simcoe
613 996-7752
Jaime Burke
A/Communications Manager
Canadian Heritage
Ontario Region
416 973-2050
