Governments of Canada and Ontario invest in Toronto's iconic cultural and entertainment scene by revitalizing Massey Hall Français
TORONTO, April 30, 2018 /CNW/ - Investing in cultural infrastructure helps Canada preserve the experiences of its people and places, and inspires visitors to explore and understand the world around them. The governments of Canada and Ontario recognize that strategic investments in public infrastructure—including funding for cultural projects—play a key role in supporting dynamic communities while creating good jobs that help grow the middle class.
The Honourable Bill Morneau, Member of Parliament for Toronto Centre, on behalf of the Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities; the Honourable Charles Sousa, Ontario Minister of Finance, on behalf of the Honourable Bob Chiarelli, Ontario Minister of Infrastructure; and Deane Cameron, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation of Massey Hall and Roy Thomson Hall, today announced $60 million in federal-provincial funding for the Massey Hall Revitalization project.
The Government of Canada is contributing up to $30 million to this project through the Provincial-Territorial Infrastructure Component–National and Regional Projects, and is being matched by the Government of Ontario, which is also contributing $30 million. Combined, this represents almost two-thirds of the estimated $94 million total project cost. The Corporation of Massey Hall and Roy Thomson Hall—a charitable, not-for-profit organization—is responsible for the balance of the funding through its newly launched Massey Hall Forever fundraising campaign.
Located in the heart of downtown Toronto, Massey Hall is an internationally renowned performance venue that contributes to the lives of Canadians through arts, employment, and cultural celebrations. Through this Revitalization project, the exterior and interior of the 124-year-old National Historic Site will be fully restored, and a new addition will be connected through the construction of a new 7-storey South Tower.
The expanded footprint will provide much-needed space to enhance artist and patron amenities while also making the building fully accessible. In addition to the 2700 seat auditorium and revamped Centuries performance space in the original building, the new structure will house a third stage featuring a 500-capacity venue. This new venue will accommodate a wide range of artists and cultural events to help bolster the Corporation's commitment to artist development, education and community outreach. The Revitalization project will ultimately enable Massey Hall to continue to inspire and entertain Canadians for another century and beyond.
Quotes
"Places like Massey Hall are vital part of our communities – they bring together artists, families, neighbours and friends, and give all of us a chance to celebrate the many cultures that make up our country. A revitalized Massey Hall in Toronto will also attract more visitors and create more opportunities for people to work, play, and enjoy our city."
The Honourable Bill Morneau, Member of Parliament for Toronto Centre, on behalf of the Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities
"The revitalization of one of Canada's premier performing arts venues is an example of our commitment to investing in Canada's creative and cultural future. The renovation and expansion of Massey Hall will ensure its continued and significant contribution to Canadian culture through education, employment, and world-class performances for generations to come."
The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage
"Massey Hall is one of our iconic cultural spaces where great Canadian artists have performed for more than a century. Our investment to expand this institution means people in Ontario will continue to enjoy this venue for years to come with new larger event spaces that are fully accessible."
The Honourable Charles Sousa, Ontario Minister of Finance, on behalf of the Honourable Bob Chiarelli, Ontario Minister of Infrastructure
"On behalf of the Board of Directors and staff at the Corporation of Massey Hall and Roy Thomson Hall, a heartfelt thank you to the governments of Canada and Ontario for believing in the Massey Hall Revitalization. Today's announcement marks one of the most extraordinary days in Massey Hall's 124-year history. This support will allow significant opportunity and prosperity for Canadian artistic communities and music fans coast-to-coast. This support also ensures the continued operational sustainability of Massey Hall and continue its legacy as Canada's premiere and most beloved music venue."
Deane Cameron, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation of Massey Hall and Roy Thomson Hall
Quick facts
- The Corporation of Massey Hall and Roy Thomson Hall is a charitable not-for-profit organization operating two of Canada's premier concert halls. Showcasing the world's greatest performers in all disciplines, the two halls are also prominent venues for diverse activities in the business and entertainment district of downtown Toronto.
- The Massey Hall Revitalization project marks the final phase in the overall initiative to restore and renovate Massey Hall. Phase 1 was completed at the end of 2016 and Phase 2A involved design and planning work, as well as the construction of the South Tower basement.
- The Government of Canada will invest more than $180 billion over 12 years in public transit projects, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, trade and transportation routes, and Canada's rural and northern communities.
- $25.3 billion of this funding will support social infrastructure in Canadian communities.
- Ontario is making the largest infrastructure investment in hospitals, schools, public transit, roads and bridges in the province's history – $230 billion over 14 years. To learn more about what's happening in your community, visit Ontario.ca/BuildON.
Associated links
Investing in Canada: Canada's Long-Term Infrastructure Plan: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/site/alt-format/pdf/plan/icp-pic/IC-InvestingInCanadaPlan-ENG.pdf
Investing in Canada plan project map: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/gmap-gcarte/index-eng.html
Federal infrastructure investments in Ontario: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/map-carte/on-eng.html
Building Better Lives: Ontario's Long-Term Infrastructure Plan
Massey Hall Revitalization: https://www.masseyhall.com/revitalization/
Twitter: @INFC_eng
SOURCE Infrastructure Canada
Brook Simpson, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, 613-219-0149, [email protected]; Chloé Luciani-Girouard, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Finance, 613-462-5469, [email protected]; Alex Benac, Press Secretary, Office of the Ontario Minister of Infrastructure, 416-326-2137, [email protected]; Mima Agozzino, Communications Manager, The Corporation of Massey Hall & Roy Thomson Hall, [email protected], 416-593-7904; Infrastructure Canada, 613-960-9251, Toll free: 1-877-250-7154, Email: [email protected]
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