Government of Canada invests over $1.7 million to revitalize local infrastructure and create 180-seat open-air theatre in Greater Sudbury

Federal funding to help fuel community revitalization and foster the conditions for local economies to thrive as they rebound from the effects of COVID-19, creating 26 jobs

 June 29, 2022 – Sudbury, ON – Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario – FedNor

Shared public spaces are at the heart of communities across Canada. They draw in residents and visitors alike, supporting local businesses and jobs. In Sudbury, as in so many places across Canada, these outdoor spaces have seen a significant increase in use since Canadians first took precautions to stay safe from COVID-19.

The Government of Canada recognizes that Canadian cities and towns flourish when they have community public spaces to promote social interaction and physical activity and provide access to recreational programs and facilities. These amenities are integral to the overall wellbeing of individuals, families and communities. Our economic recovery is closely linked to the vitality of our local communities and their shared spaces.

Today, Viviane Lapointe, Member of Parliament for Sudbury, was joined by Marc G. Serré, Member of Parliament for Nickel Belt and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Official Languages, to announce a total federal investment of $1,762,520 through FedNor, the Canada Community Revitalization Fund (CCRF), Canada Cultural Spaces Fund and Building Communities through Arts and Heritage for YES Theatre and the City of Greater Sudbury. The announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for FedNor, and the Honourable Pablo Rodriguez, Minister of Canadian Heritage.

Of the total, YES Theatre will receive a CCRF investment of $448,420 through FedNor to construct the Refettorio, a state-of-the-art 180-seat outdoor performance venue and community space in downtown Sudbury. Once complete, the Refettorio will host up to four main stage productions each summer and serve as the new home of YES Theatre’s annual Summer Musical Theatre Festival. The space will also be accessible to arts and culture organizations, artistic groups and individuals in need of a safe venue to host audiences. FedNor funding of $35,000 is also helping YES Theatre hire a youth intern to expand marketing and promotional efforts for its Summer Festival to help attract more visitors from outside the region.

Canadian Heritage is also contributing $750,000 through the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund for the construction of the Refettorio, as well as $34,100 through the Building Communities through Arts and Heritage program to support the theatre’s festival programming.

As part of the announcement, the City of Greater Sudbury will also receive CCRF funding of $495,000 from FedNor to revitalize eight community playgrounds located in areas of high need, including the downtown core and outlying communities. Once upgrades are complete, the modernized playgrounds will provide safe, inclusive and accessible outdoor recreation opportunities for families and visitors to Greater Sudbury.

The CCRF was launched in June 2021. The Fund provides $500 million over two years to Canada’s regional development agencies to invest in shared and inclusive public spaces. As public health restrictions ease, the Government of Canada remains committed to investing in shared spaces to make them safer, greener and more accessible. This, in turn, will stimulate local economies, create jobs, and improve the quality of life for Canadians.

Quotes

“These initiatives demonstrate the Government of Canada’s commitment to support economic development in communities of every size, in every region. We have helped put small and medium-sized businesses on the road to recovery. Now it’s time to invest in the shared public spaces that will safely bring people together and help communities grow and thrive well into the future.” – The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for FedNor

“Our government knows that cultural infrastructure provides the foundation for healthy, vibrant communities and creates spaces where people of all backgrounds can connect through shared experiences. I am proud that Canadian Heritage’s investments in YES Theatre will increase opportunities for local artists and support the construction of a much-needed downtown outdoor venue that will strengthen Sudbury’s cultural ecosystem and creative scene.” – The Honourable Pablo Rodriguez, Minister of Canadian Heritage

“Today’s investments will deliver ongoing social and economic results for all Sudburians in the form of jobs, growth and long-term prosperity. Upgrading local playgrounds and constructing an open-air theatre in the downtown core are essential steps to building a thriving community, vibrant economy and culturally rich public gathering spaces that will benefit Greater Sudbury and beyond. I am proud that these strategic initiatives will create 26 local jobs and accelerate the revitalization of our community as we emerge from the pandemic.” – Viviane Lapointe, Member of Parliament for Sudbury

 “This funding will create a series of safe and inclusive outdoor gathering spaces across Greater Sudbury-Nickel Belt, making our region a better place to live work, play and visit. By investing in cultural spaces and community infrastructure, we are supporting the physical and mental health of community members and providing a significant boost to our creative economy as we build a better Canada that includes everyone.” – Marc G. Serré, Member of Parliament for Nickel Belt and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Official Languages

“I am thrilled that FedNor and the Government of Canada are investing in our vision to create a safe inclusive space for artistic performance in historic downtown Sudbury. Our creative economy is thriving and our new outdoor performance venue will fill an important need for artists, performers and audiences of all ages.” – Alessandro Costantini, Artistic Director, YES Theatre

“Safe and inclusive outdoor spaces play a critical role in the health and wellbeing of our entire community. This FedNor funding will help us modernize some of our most heavily used playgrounds, ensuring children, families and visitors have access to outdoor recreational activies that are welcoming to everyone.” – Brian Bigger, Mayor of Greater Sudbury