GUELPH, Ontario, February 29, 2008 -- On behalf of the Honourable Josée Verner, Minister of Canadian Heritage, Status of Women and Official Languages, Dr.Gary Goodyear, Member of Parliament (Cambridge), today announced funding for the Guelph Civic Museum.
Funding of $1 million will be used for a large-scale relocation and renovation project to double the Museum's current size, which will greatly enhance its programming and curatorial facilities. The new home of the Guelph Civic Museum is a heritage limestone building in the downtown core that was formerly the Loretto Convent.
"This relocation project will allow residents of Guelph and visitors to the region to learn more about the city's history, while enhancing the city's rich architectural heritage," said Minister Verner. "In addition, the support we are providing for the renovation project of the new home of the Guelph Civic Museum demonstrates our commitment to giving Canadians access to their culture and heritage."
"Our Government continues to show great leadership with this million-dollar infusion in Guelph, another example of our strong support for the arts and cultural heritage of our great country," said Dr. Goodyear.
"This project will provide much-needed space for our community museum and protect a significant pre-Confederation building in our downtown at the same time," said Guelph Mayor Karen Farbridge. "I am pleased that the federal government is supporting this project through the Cultural Spaces Canada Program."
The Government of Canada has provided this funding through the Cultural Spaces Canada program of the Department of Canadian Heritage. This program contributes to improved physical conditions for artistic creativity and presentation or exhibition. It is designed to improve access for Canadians to the performing, visual, and media arts, as well as to museum collections and heritage exhibitions.
Information:
Dominic Gosselin
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage, Status of Women and Official Languages
819 997-7788
Maya Kane
Manager, Regional Communications
Ontario Region
Canadian Heritage
416 954-6615
