MIDDLETON, Nova Scotia, February 16, 2009 - The Government of Canada is proud to support Middleton residents in the celebration of the town's centennial.
On behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, Greg Kerr, Member of Parliament (West Nova), today announced funding for the Middleton Centennial Society, which will support Middleton's numerous anniversary celebrations.
The centennial anniversary will be an opportunity for the town to celebrate not only its history, but also the culture, diversity and richness that exist in Middleton today. Activities will include various historical dinners, the Valley Senior Games, the opening of the Apple Blossom Festival, and an International Town Crier demonstration. In true Middleton style, there will be something for everyone.
"Our Government, under Prime Minister Stephen Harper, is spending more on arts, culture, and heritage than any other government in Canadian history," said Minister Moore. "Our recent budget continues our record of strong support for activities that promote local arts and heritage and strengthen local economies."
"It is important that future generations be aware of their origins and of Canada's rich and diverse heritage," said Mr. Kerr. "The recognition of the Town of Middleton's 100th anniversary will increase pride among members of our community."
"The Town of Middleton and the Centennial Committee are excited and very pleased with the funding received from the Government of Canada," said Lorne Brown, Town Councillor and Centennial Committee Chair. "This contribution will enhance our 100th birthday celebrations throughout the year, showcasing local entertainment and community spirit."
Funding of $50,962 is provided through the Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage program of the Department of Canadian Heritage, which helps offer Canadians more opportunities to take part in activities that present local arts and culture and celebrate local history and heritage. This program will benefit many community events and historic anniversaries in Canada this year.
Deirdra McCracken
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage and
Official Languages
819-997-7788
deirdra.mccracken@pch.gc.ca
Claudine Daigle
Director, Regional Communications
Atlantic Region
Canadian Heritage
506-851-3980
Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155
Every year, across Canada, hundreds of communities organize local arts and heritage events-such as festivals and commemorations-that enrich and celebrate local community life and give Canadians an opportunity to engage in and connect with their community.
On September 12, 2007, the Minister of Canadian Heritage announced the allocation of the $30 million set aside in the 2007 Budget. The announcement included ongoing funding, increasing progressively to $18 million per year by 2009-10, for the creation of the Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage program; $7.4 million per year for enhanced resources for Arts Presentation Canada; and $4.6 million per year in funding for capital projects for community historical anniversaries. Further details on the last component will be available later in 2009.
The Building Communities through Arts and Heritage program supports activities that celebrate local artists and artisans and local historical heritage, and that are intended for and open to the general public. Its objective is to engage citizens in their communities through festivals, events and activities that promote local performing and visual arts, as well as through the expression, celebration and preservation of local historical heritage.
Funding is distributed through two different components:
- Local Arts and Heritage Festivals supports local community events and activities that feature the public presentation of local artists and/or of local heritage.
- Community Historical Anniversaries Programming supports local community events and activities that commemorate the 100th or greater (in increments of 25 years) anniversary of a local historically significant event or person.
Eligible organizations include:
- local non-profit groups, either incorporated or unincorporated; and
- local band councils, local tribal councils or other local Aboriginal governments (First Nation, Inuit or Métis) or an equivalent authority.
For more information on eligibility requirements and how to apply, please visit the Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage site at www.pch.gc.ca/communities.
