Montréal, Québec (November 12, 2007) - The Government of Canada, through its brand new Building
Canada infrastructure plan, will consider the Quartier des spectacles cultural precinct as a funding
priority. This financing could cover as much as one third of eligible
costs, for a federal contribution of a maximum of $40 million for the
cultural precinct of the Quartier des spectacles. The Government of
Québec and the City of Montréal have also confirmed a financial commitment for
this project, both for an amount of $40 million each. The Honourable Josée
Verner, Minister of Canadian Heritage, the Status of Women and Official
Languages, and the Honourable Michael M Fortier, Minister of Public Works and
Government Services, made this announcement today, on behalf of the Honourable
Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities.
The Quartier des spectacles is
centered on the intersection of Sainte-Catherine Street and Saint-Laurent
Boulevard, covering almost a square kilometre bound by City Councillors Street,
Berri Street, Sherbrooke Street, and René-Lévesque Boulevard. This area is home
to 30 performance halls totalling almost 28,000 seats, numerous international
festivals, art galleries and centres for the exhibition and broadcast of
alternative culture. The Quartier des spectacles supports more than
7,000 jobs linked to cultural activities, from education through to public
outreach, including production, exhibition, and broadcasting.
"Promoting the cultural development of our cities is important for the
Government of Canada," said Minister Verner. "This is a priority of our Building
Canadainfrastructure plan, which is ensuring access to quality infrastructure.
Our government's support for Montreal's Quartier des spectacles is a
concrete demonstration of the value we place on cultural development in all its
forms, ensuring the enrichment of citizens' lives."
"The Building Canada infrastructure plan is advancing quality
infrastructure," said Minister Fortier. "Through Building Canada, our government
acknowledges the importance of preserving, developing and improving access to
culture."
Financial support for the project, for a maximum of $40 million, is
conditional on the signing of a framework agreement with the Province of Québec
under the Building Canadainfrastructure plan. Funding is also conditional upon
the completion of a due diligence review of the project, the successful
completion of environmental assessments required under the Canadian
Environmental Assessment Act, the signing of a contribution agreement
outlining the project details and the parameters for federal financing, and on
compliance with the obligations set out in the framework agreement.
Through its unprecedented $33-billion Building Canada infrastructure plan,
the Government provides long-term, stable and predictable funding to help meet
infrastructure needs across Canada. Building Canada supports a stronger, safer
and better country.
For further information contact:
Karine WhitePress Secretary Office of Minister
Cannon613-991-0700
Infrastructure Canada613-948-1148
