CALGARY, April 5, 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.
Today, the Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, and the Honourable Ricardo Miranda, Alberta Minister of Culture and Tourism, announced funding to renew the electrical system in Arts Commons–a vibrant, multi-venue arts centre in the heart of Calgary's downtown core.
The governments of Canada and Alberta are each contributing up to $400,000 to this project through the New Building Canada Fund. The City of Calgary is providing $1,818,000, and the Arts Commons will provide the remaining $259,859 of the project costs.
Work involves renewing the existing electrical infrastructure, including the main electrical switch and all its primary distribution systems, which are presently operating past their expected lifecycles. Once finished, the centre will have a constant, reliable source of electricity to support its many events and performances for years to come.
Quotes
"Investing in cultural facilities is important, not only for supporting the arts, but for ensuring communities have reliable access to vibrant, dynamic spaces where they can showcase local talent. These key improvements to the Arts Commons will help preserve Calgary's art scene and ensure visitors and tourists can enjoy this artistic hub for years to come. Our Government is proud to be investing in infrastructure to support economic development, create good middle-class jobs and improve the quality of life in communities across Alberta."
The Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities
"The Government of Alberta was proud to help support upgrades to Calgary's Arts Commons through the Community Facility Enhancement Program in 2016-17. The Arts Commons is an important part of Calgary's arts community through its work in fostering an environment that grows and sustains the arts in Alberta. We recognize and appreciate the important contribution of Alberta's artists and arts organizations and are proud to help the Arts Commons keep the lights on."
The Honourable Ricardo Miranda, Alberta Minister of Culture and Tourism
"Vibrant cultural spaces like Arts Commons are a cornerstone of strong communities and a better economy for Calgary. The City of Calgary is the primary funder for this critical maintenance project because we know that Arts Commons is part of the heart of our city. By coming together on this project, all orders of government are showing that they see the value of places like this. I look forward to future collaborations to build and maintain the community infrastructure Calgarians need."
His Worship Naheed Nenshi, Mayor of Calgary
"As a key contributor to the social, economic, cultural, and intellectual life and well-being of Calgarians and visitors, Arts Commons supports the sustainability of more than 250 organizations annually, including seven resident companies, by maintaining our 560,665 square foot complex. On behalf of Arts Commons' 600,000 annual visitors, we are most grateful to all three levels of government that have invested in one of our most critical lifecycle priorities. Only with the ongoing support of all three levels of government will this aging facility continue to be able to meet the needs of our community while aligning with The City of Calgary's and Alberta's strategic objective to foster and promote a culturally vibrant and healthy community."
Johann F. Zietsman, President & CEO, Arts Commons
Quick facts
- 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 (including cultural and recreational) infrastructure in Canadian communities.
Associated links
Government of Canada's $180-billion+ Investing in Canada plan: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/about-invest-apropos-eng.html
Investing in Canada plan project map: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/gmap-gcarte/index-eng.html
Federal infrastructure investments in Alberta: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/map-carte/ab-eng.html
Smart Cities Challenge: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/cities-villes-eng.html
Arts Commons website: https://artscommons.ca/
Twitter: @INFC_eng
Web: Infrastructure Canada
SOURCE Infrastructure Canada
Brook Simpson, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, 613-219-0149, [email protected]; Marion Nader, Press Secretary, Alberta Culture and Tourism, 780 289-5944, [email protected]; Infrastructure Canada, 613-960-9251, Toll free: 1-877-250-7154, Email: [email protected]
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