Shawinigan, July 5, 2012 – Christine St-Pierre, Minister of Culture, Communications and the Status of Women, and Michel Angers, Mayor of the City of Shawinigan, today participated in the opening of the Maison de la culture Francis-Brisson. Julie Boulet, Minister of Employment and Social Solidarity, Minister responsible for the Mauricie Region and Member of the National Assembly for Laviolette, as well as Josette Allard-Gignac, Municipal Councillor and Chair of the Executive Board of the Corporation culturelle de Shawinigan, also attended the event. The Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities and Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec, is pleased with the Government of Canada's support to this project.
"Canada's Economic Action Plan continues to deliver results for the people of Quebec, and I look forward to witnessing the positive impact this facility will have for the City of Shawinigan and for tourism in the region," said Minister Lebel. "The Government of Canada is proud to have invested in this cultural centre, which created local jobs and will enable the community to continue to grow and prosper."
"I am proud to declare the Maison de la culture Francis-Brisson open, especially since it is housed in a building of great heritage value. This wonderful place is once again open to the public and I invite everyone to take part in the activities that will be offered. I would like to congratulate the City of Shawinigan and all of the stakeholders that participated in the development of the project, in particular the Corporation culturelle de Shawinigan which will operate this cultural centre,” added Minister St-Pierre.
“The opening of the Maison de la culture Francis-Brisson is an important milestone for the Mauricie region. This urban revitalization project will enable Grand-Mère, and the region, to maintain a cultural life to the benefit of all residents. I would like to recognize the efforts of the City of Shawinigan to preserve the historical value of this century-old building and I would like to congratulate the mayor and the project managers who led this restoration with passion and know-how,” said Minister Boulet.
The Maison de la culture Francis-Brisson is housed in a century-old building that has had numerous uses over time. Its slate roofing, copper ornamentation and wood-finished interior were preserved during the restoration. The quality of materials used and the care demonstrated during the renovations will ensure the building’s longevity. Thanks to the numerous activities that will take place here, the public at large will be able to appreciate and rediscover the beauty of this heritage building, which is linked to the history of local industry. The performance hall, recently equipped with technical equipment, will serve as an additional location for the performing arts in Shawinigan, allowing the Grand-Mère sector to improve its cultural offerings.
The total government contribution for the restoration of the cultural centre is $3.7 million. The Government of Canada contributed $1,225,000 to the project. In addition, the Government of Quebec contributed $1,250,000.
The Government of Canada's contribution comes from the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund, part of Canada’s Economic Action Plan, which supported over 4,100 infrastructure projects across the country. The Government of Canada committed over $900 million through the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund for over 900 projects in communities across Quebec.
Investing in infrastructure is a key part of the Government of Canada's plan for jobs, growth and long-term prosperity. Over the course of the summer, the Government of Canada is engaging provinces, territories, municipalities through municipal associations and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, as well as other key stakeholders in a series of roundtables to develop a new long-term infrastructure plan. This plan will focus on investments that support job creation and economic growth, while building strong, prosperous communities across the country. In addition, the Government of Canada will hold a roundtable with national stakeholders and private sector representatives at the end of the summer. Working together to develop this plan will provide new opportunities for all orders of government and the private sector to build partnerships to improve public infrastructure in Canada.
The Government of Quebec’s contribution comes from the Plan québécois des infrastructures, which was expanded in January 2009 and now has a budget of over $44.5 billion for the period of 2010 to 2015 to upgrade, renew and maintain Quebec's public infrastructure.
Additional information
For more information about investments in infrastructure, visit infrastructure.gc.ca and infrastructures.gouv.qc.ca.
To learn more about Canada's Economic Action Plan, visit actionplan.gc.ca.
Aussi disponible en français sur le site d’Infrastructure Canada : infrastructure.gc.ca.
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Contacts:
Geneviève Sicard
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities
613-991-0700
Chantal Gagnon
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Culture, Communications and the Status of Women
418-380-2310
Amina Chaffai
Policy Advisory for the Minister of Employment and Social Solidarity and Minister responsible for the Mauricie Region
819-538-3349
Annie LeGruiec
Public Relations Officer
Department of Culture, Communications and the Status of Women
418-380-2363, extension 7371
Infrastructure Canada
613-960-9251
1-877-250-7154 (toll free)
