27 August 2009
Georgetown, Prince Edward Island
Stage performers and audience members alike will enjoy an improved theatrical experience at the historic King’s Playhouse theatre, thanks to investments of more than $635,000 by the Government of Canada, the Province of Prince Edward Island, and the Town of Georgetown.
The Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, the Honourable Neil LeClair, PEI Minister of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Rural Development, His Worship Lewis Lavandier, Mayor of Georgetown, and Brian Pound, general manager, Kings Playhouse, today announced an expansion project for the King’s Playhouse.
“On behalf of my colleagues the Hon Keith Ashfield, Minister of State (ACOA) and the Hon James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage, I am pleased to add the Government of Canada’s support to this important expansion of the King’s Playhouse.” said Minister Shea. “By enhancing the capacity of this storied theatre to deliver a quality entertainment product, we are strengthening its position and the position of the community in the Atlantic tourism marketplace.”
“The King’s Playhouse is an important historical resource and cultural venue in the community of Georgetown,” said Neil LeClair, Minister of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Rural Development. “The Government of PEI is very pleased to contribute to upgrading and modernizing the Playhouse to ensure it continues to meet the cultural needs of the residents of Eastern PEI for years to come.”
As one of Canada’s longest-running theatres, and the only theatre in eastern PEI, the King’s Playhouse holds tremendous cultural and historical significance for the people of Georgetown. The theatre has also proven to be a popular point of interest among tourists.
“King’s Playhouse is not only a historic landmark for the town of Georgetown but also an active part of our community. It serves as the cultural center of our town,” stated Mayor Lewis Lavandier. “This funding will help us to diversify our programming and enhance the viability of the Playhouse.”
The upgrades to the Kings Playhouse include a 3,100 sq. ft. extension to the foyer, repairs to the foundation, a new hot water tank and two furnaces, wheelchair accessibility, two new bathrooms, improvements to the existing bathrooms and dressing rooms, new windows, signage, and light and sound equipment.
The Government of Canada is investing a total of $ 532,376 − $122,634 through ACOA, $297,254 from “Cultural Spaces” program of Canadian Heritage, and a further $116,488 through the Canada/Prince Edward Island Labour Market Development Agreement.
The Government of Prince Edward Island, through the Department of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Rural Development’s Community Development Program, is contributing an additional $40,000 to the project. The Town of Georgetown is investing $64,512 in this project.
ACOA’s funding is provided under the Community Adjustment Fund (CAF). Canada’s Economic Action Plan provided a total of $1 billion over two years through CAF to support economic diversification activities.
For more information regarding the CAF application process, please consult ACOA’s website at www.acoa-apeca.gc.ca.
For information on Canada's Economic Action Plan, please visit www.actionplan.gc.ca.
FOR BROADCAST USE:
The Kings Playhouse is receiving $ 640,888 in funding from three levels of government to expand and renovate the historic theatre. Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, Neil LeClair, PEI’s Minister of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Rural Development, Lewis Lavandier, Mayor of Georgetown and Brian Pound, general manager, Kings Playhouse, today announced project details.
The upgrades to the Kings Playhouse include a 3,100 sq. ft. extension to the foyer, wheelchair accessibility, new and renovated bathrooms, new windows, signage, and light and sound equipment. With these additions, Kings Playhouse will be able to attract larger audiences by offering a wider variety of performances.
Rebecca Bruce
ACOA PEI & Tourism
902-368-0264
Kim Devine
PEI Department of Innovation and Advanced Learning
902-620-3774
Brian Pound
Kings Playhouse
902-652-2822
