NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE, ONTARIO, January 15th, 2008--The Honourable Rob Nicholson, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada and Member of Parliament for Niagara Falls, on behalf of John Baird, Canada's Environment Minister, today announced Parks Canada, the National Arts Centre and the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, have reached an agreement to explore the possibility of building a world-class amphitheatre on Parks Canada land, known as the Lakeshore property, in Niagara-on-the-Lake.
"The Government of Canada is very excited about the prospect of Niagara-on-the-Lake being home to this fantastic new amphitheatre," said Minister Nicholson. "We're talking about a world-class music facility located on historic Canadian property in the heart of Niagara that would host a cultural event of the highest order."
This concert venue would be home to a proposed international music festival, a major new cultural event in Canada that would be held in the Region of Niagara. It would also serve as a summer home for both the Toronto Symphony Orchestra and the National Arts Centre Orchestra, drawing visitors from around the world to an already major North American tourism destination.
"The National Arts Centre is pleased to be working with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, Parks Canada and the Government of Canada to explore the possibility of creating a world-class music festival in the Niagara region," said Peter A. Herrndorf, President and CEO of the National Arts Centre, and who is also speaking on behalf of Andrew Shaw, president and CEO of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra. "Canada is home to some of the world's greatest musicians and orchestras combined with the natural beauty of the Niagara region, we will offer a cultural tourism experience second to none."
The Lakeshore property, or Battlefield of Fort George National Historic Site, is significant for being one of the landing zones of the U.S. Army for the Battle of Fort George and the subsequent invasion of Canada in 1813.
Information:
Éric Richer
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of the Environment
819 997-1441
Jayne Watson
Director of Communications and Public Affairs
National Arts Centre
613-947-7000 x 260 (office)
613-791-5697 (cell)
Joanne Huppé
Media Relations
National Corporate Communications Branch
Parks Canada
819 953-8699 / 613 799-6269 (cell)
