TORONTO, Oct. 29, 2026 /CNW/ -- The McMichael Canadian Art Collection in Kleinburg is remaking the home of Canadian art. The project will transform and expand the McMichael facility, making it a sustainable premier cultural centre and a destination for the preservation and display of more than 8,000 works of art by Canadian and Indigenous artists. The renewed McMichael will also offer a more efficient and engaging platform for the gallery's landmark exhibitions and educational programs, serving the local community – and the country as a whole – as never before.
Celebrating Art Toronto, Jennifer McKelvie, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Housing and Infrastructure, spoke of the vibrant impact of the Canadian artists who influence and inspire audiences throughout the world. As the only museum in Canada devoted exclusively to Canadian and Indigenous art, the McMichael safeguards Canadian culture and identity at a time of global challenge. The Government of Canada is increasing its investment by $25 million in the expansion of this important museum, bringing the total federal investment to $50 million. This contribution matches the Government of Ontario's $50 million investment, reflecting a shared commitment to the renovation, expansion and modernization of the McMichael Canadian Art Collection.
The reimagined McMichael will offer more space for exhibitions, events, conservation and educational programs, many of which will benefit underserved communities in the Greater Toronto Area and York Region. Programs, landscape design, and nature-based learning will also integrate Indigenous knowledge and teachings. The renewal will dramatically expand the space for public events, talks, concerts and other performances, allowing more people to engage with Canadian art and artists across all disciplines. Expanded and modernized facilities will also open up 30 per cent more space for permanent collection displays and special exhibitions, while increasing the McMichael's capacity to handle and conserve works of art. Finally, the McMichael's dynamic touring exhibition program will be fortified by new and enhanced back-of-house facilities for efficient packing and crating, strengthening the museum's ability to deliver great exhibitions to Canadians from coast to coast.
Accessibility will be integrated into the design of the revitalized facility, ensuring that people of all ages and abilities can find inspiration in Canada's most beloved works of art. Upon completion, the modernized McMichael will also meet net-zero standards and will feature sustainable, Indigenous plantings sensitive to the realities of climate change.
Built in the 1950s and last upgraded in the 1980s, the McMichael Canadian Art Collection facilities have reached the end of their lifespan. As the only major museum to exclusively collect and exhibit Canadian art, it is a critical platform for the appreciation and dissemination of Canadian visual culture. The gallery is now closed for renewal and is expected to reopen in 2029.
Quotes
"Canadians are some of the greatest artists in the world. Their works inspire, provoke and shape Canadian identity and experience. Building Canada strong means protecting and promoting the legacy of Canadian art. By doubling our support for the McMichael, we are confirming the importance of Canadian culture and ensuring it continues to inspire for generations to come."
Jennifer McKelvie, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Housing and Infrastructure
"The iconic McMichael Canadian Art Collection is a national cultural treasure, celebrating our rich history through the diverse perspectives of Canadian and Indigenous artists and its redevelopment will ensure that the McMichael continues to inspire Canadians and visitors from around the world. The Ontario government is proud to invest in the future of the McMichael, alongside our federal partners, to secure the gallery's status as a world-class cultural tourism attraction and strengthen Canada's artistic legacy for generations to come."
The Honourable Zee Hamid, Ontario's Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming
"Our project is an investment in the future of Canada and in the art that shapes who we are and how we see ourselves as a nation. Thanks to the visionary support of the Government of Canada, we are reimagining the McMichael as a 21st-century museum that celebrates our rich artistic heritage, fosters creativity, lives in harmony with nature and inspires generations to come. When we reopen in 2029, we look forward to welcoming more people than ever before to experience, connect with and discover the art of Canada."
Sarah Milroy, Frances and Tim Price Executive Director and Chief Curator, McMichael Canadian Art Collection
Quick Facts
- The federal government is investing an additional $25 million in the renovation and expansion of the McMichael Canadian Art Collection through the Green and Inclusive Community Buildings (GICB) program. This investment increases the federal government's previously announced investment of $25 million.
- The project is also supported by a $50-million investment from the Government of Ontario, and contributions from generous private donors.
- The GICB program was created in support of Canada's Strengthened Climate Plan: A Healthy Environment and a Healthy Economy. It supports the Plan's first pillar by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, increasing energy efficiency, and helping develop higher resilience to climate change.
- The program launched in 2021 with an initial investment of $1.5 billion over five years towards green and accessible retrofits, repairs or upgrades, and the construction of new publicly-accessible community buildings that serve high-needs, underserved communities across Canada. Budget 2024 announced an additional $500 million to support more projects through GICB until 2029.
- At least 10% of program funding is allocated to projects serving First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities, including Indigenous populations in urban centres.
- The Government of Canada is taking concrete actions to strengthen the economy by investing in Canadians and supporting Canadian businesses.
- Federal actions are creating good jobs, accelerating home building and helping communities grow across the country.
Associated Links
Green and Inclusive Community Buildings
https://housing-infrastructure.canada.ca/gicb-bcvi/index-eng.html
Strengthened Climate Plan
https://www.canada.ca/en/services/environment/weather/climatechange/climate-plan/climate-plan-overview.html
Housing and Infrastructure Project Map
https://housing-infrastructure.canada.ca/gmap-gcarte/index-eng.html
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Web: Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada
SOURCE Department of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities
Contacts: For more information (media only), please contact: Jenna Gassabeh, Director of Communications, Office of the Minister of Housing and Infrastructure, [email protected]; Media Relations, Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada, 613-960-9251, Toll free: 1-877-250-7154, Email: [email protected]; Grace Johnstone, Director, Communications and Marketing, McMichael Canadian Art Collection, 905-893-1121 ext. 2265, [email protected]
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