Calgary, Alberta, October 6, 2007 -The Honourable Jim Prentice, Minister of Industry, on behalf of the Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, today announced Canada's New Government will consider the development of the Kinnear Centre for Creativity and Innovation at The Banff Centre as a priority for funding of one-third of total eligible costs, up to a maximum of $15 million, under Building Canada, the new long-term infrastructure plan of Canada's New Government. The total cost of the centre is estimated at approximately $65 million.
"Canada's New Government is investing in priority infrastructure projects that support a growing economy, a cleaner environment, and stronger communities," said Minister Prentice. "The Kinnear Centre for Creativity and Innovation will provide a multi-disciplinary environment that will help preserve, develop and enhance access to culture and heritage for Canadians."
The Kinnear Centre for Creativity and Innovation will include more than 21,000 square feet of rehearsal and performance, learning, and meeting spaces that will engage visitors to support culture. There will also be informal gallery spaces among the building's three levels to showcase the work of Banff Centre artists, who come from across Canada and around the world. The new centre will magnify The Banff Centre's local, national, and global impact on arts, culture and education.
"This extraordinary investment by the Government of Canada acknowledges the essential role that The Banff Centre plays in fueling creativity, supporting economic growth, and enriching Canadian culture," said Mary Hofstetter, the Centre's president and chief executive officer. "Thanks to the support of Ministers Prentice and Cannon, and The Banff Centre's Campaign Cabinet, The Kinnear Centre will provide fertile ground for the next generation of Canadian artists and leaders."
Financial support for the project is conditional on the successful negotiation of agreements with the Province of Alberta under Building Canada. It is also conditional on a federal due diligence review of the project, the successful completion of an environmental assessment, and the signing of a contribution agreement.
Through its unprecedented $33-billion Building Canada infrastructure plan, the Government of Canada will provide long-term, stable and predictable funding to help meet infrastructure needs across Canada. Building Canada will support a stronger, safer and better Canada. Over the last several months, the Government of Canada has met with provinces, territories and the municipal sector to discuss the Building Canada infrastructure plan and priority projects to be funded under the plan.
The Kinnear Centre for Creativity and Innovation is part of the Banff Centre Revitalization Project. The most significant development in the Centre's 74-year history, the project includes the multidisciplinary facilities, a $20-million increase in program and scholarship endowments, outdoor performance spaces, a dining centre, and campus greening projects.
Contacts:
Karine White
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities
613-991-0700
Infrastructure Canada
613-948-1148
Debra Hornsby
Director of Communications
The Banff Centre
403-762-633
