Today, Joan Crockatt, Member of Parliament for Calgary Centre, on behalf of the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification, announced support for EPCOR CENTRE for the Performing Arts under the Harper Government's Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund (CIIF).
"EPCOR CENTRE for the Performing Arts is a Calgary hallmark that has benefited our community for decades,
" said MP Crockatt. "I am thrilled that with this investment EPCOR CENTRE for Performing Arts will be able to upgrade its facilities, which will also help boost economic activity, support job creation, and continue to contribute to the richness of our cultural community for years to come.
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The Harper Government's investment of $250,000 will support a number of upgrades to aging equipment maintained by EPCOR CENTRE for the Performing Arts, which opened its doors in 1985. Improvements to five of the facility's theatres, halls and other rooms will help extend the lifespan of the Arts Centre, ensuring all venues within the facility can continue to host music, theatre and dance events.
"EPCOR CENTRE is an amazing venue to showcase the talents of Alberta artists and performers from around the world,
" said Alberta Culture Minister Heather Klimchuk, "and the Centre's educational programming continues to inspire future stars of the stage. The Government of Alberta is proud to join with the City of Calgary, the Government of Canada and other partners in providing funding support through the Community Facility Enhancement Program.
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"The City of Calgary knows the challenges faced by partners, like EPCOR CENTRE, to maintain high-quality facilities, that provide valuable services to Calgarians,
" says Karen Young, Director of Community & Neighbourhood Services at The City of Calgary. "Through the Community Investment Fund, the City is pleased to support improvements to EPCOR CENTRE, so they can offer dynamic performing arts, so critical to the cultural vitality of Calgary.
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"Repair and replacement of critical infrastructure is to be anticipated in a mature facility,
" said Johann Zietsman, President and CEO of EPCOR CENTRE for the Performing Arts. "The application for this funding was based on the need for the replacement or repair of building systems that have reached the end of their productive life cycle. The upgrade of these identified projects is paramount to ensure the ongoing safety and continued viability of the Centre is maintained for all who use it, including employees, patrons and artists of EPCOR CENTRE, its nine resident companies and partners, as well as key environmental benefits through improved air quality and greater energy efficiency.
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In Economic Action Plan 2012, the Harper Government announced further support to help communities across the country modernize their infrastructure. Our Government committed $150 million over two years for the Fund. The Fund supports projects that look to improve existing community infrastructure accessible for use by the public, such as community centres, recreational buildings, local arenas, cultural and other community facilities.
Since 2006, the Harper Government, through WD, has invested in job-creating small- and medium-sized businesses, aerospace, marine and defence industries, and supported innovative entrepreneurs in pursuing emerging markets. By continuing to promote new economic opportunities, WD is helping to create jobs, economic growth, and long-term prosperity.
