One Step Closer to Curtain Rising: the Government of Canada Supports the Design Phase for Construction of a New Roxy Theatre in Edmonton Français
Funding from the Government of Canada will support the architectural and structural design for a rebuilt Roxy Theatre
EDMONTON, Feb. 9, 2018 /CNW/ - Edmonton's historic Roxy Theatre is one step closer to a brand new facility, thanks to support from the Government of Canada. Randy Boissonnault, Member of Parliament (Edmonton Centre), on behalf of the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage, today announced $330,270 in funding for the Theatre Network Society.
This investment from the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund will support the architectural design and engineering phase of construction for a new Roxy Theatre, to be rebuilt in its original Westmount neighbourhood in central-west Edmonton.
The Theatre Network Society owns and operates the Roxy Theatre, formerly an old cinema converted into a live theatre venue on 124th Street. The original 200-seat theatre was destroyed by fire in January 2015, requiring the Society to relocate to a temporary hosting space for its productions and performing arts series over the last several years.
Quotes
"Investments in our cultural institutions help build strong and vibrant communities. The Government of Canada is proud to support organizations that create spaces to celebrate our artists and increase access to cultural activities. We are very pleased to support the Theatre Network Society as it embarks on this important project."
—The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage
"The Roxy Theatre has been an integral part of Edmonton's arts scene, and home to a host of live theatrical performances. The destruction of the original historic building has been a tremendous loss for our community. I am delighted that the Theatre Network Society is now one step closer to realizing its dream of a new and improved Roxy Theatre!"
—Randy Boissonnault, Member of Parliament (Edmonton Centre)
"Edmonton's renowned arts scene has enhanced our city by fostering creativity, providing entertainment and generating employment opportunities. The new Roxy Theatre will be a welcome addition to our city's downtown, helping to make the 124th Street area an even more attractive destination. I thank the Government of Canada for their generous investment in this pillar of Edmonton's arts community."
—His Worship Don Iveson, Mayor of Edmonton
"This is a special moment for Theatre Network. With the support of Canadian Heritage and the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund, as well as the City of Edmonton and its Community Facility Partner Capital Grant, we will take a big step forward with the schematic design work towards a new Roxy Theatre. Now we get to roll up our sleeves and work with Group 2 Architects on our new facility—this is a huge boost of confidence for Theatre Network as we look to be back on 124th Street in Edmonton."
—Bradley Moss, Artistic and Executive Director, Theatre Network Society
Quick Facts
The Theatre Network Society, founded in 1975, is an award-winning professional theatre company. The Society fosters and develops new Canadian theatre with an emphasis on Western Canada, and aims to provide audiences with the best of contemporary and international productions.
The original structure was built in 1938. In January 2015, the Roxy Theatre—which had been home to the Theatre Network Society since 1990—was destroyed by fire. The Society has since relocated to a smaller 140‑seat theatre on Gateway Boulevard, which was renovated and renamed the Roxy on Gateway.
The new Roxy Theatre will be rebuilt on the site of its former location on 124th Street.
The City of Edmonton has also contributed $208,000 to the project through its Community Facility Partner Capital Grant Program.
The Canada Cultural Spaces Fund supports the improvement of physical conditions for artistic creativity and innovation, as well as the improvement, renovation and construction of arts and heritage facilities, and the acquisition of specialized equipment.
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SOURCE Canadian Heritage
(media only), please contact: Simon Ross, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage, 819-997-7788; Media Relations, Canadian Heritage, 819-994-9101, 1-866-569-6155, [email protected]
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