FedNor invests $1.7M to revitalize local infrastructure in Greater Sudbury
The Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario is spending $1.7 million to create a 180-seat outdoor theatre, modernize eight community playgrounds and generate 26 permanent jobs.
“Shared public spaces are at the heart of communities across Canada. They draw in residents and visitors, and support local businesses and jobs,” FedNor said in a new release.
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. These amenities are integral to the overall well-being of individuals, families and communities.
“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,” said Sudbury MP Viviane Lapointe.
On June 29, Lapointe was joined by Nickel Belt MP Marc Serré, to announce $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.
Of the total, YES Theatre will receive $448,420 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. Canadian Heritage is also contributing $750,000 through the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund for the construction of the Refettorio.
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 contributing an additional $34,100 through the Building Communities through Arts and Heritage program to support the theatre’s festival programming.
“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,” said Alessandro Costantini, artistic director of YES Theatre.
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 priority areas, including downtown.
Once upgrades are complete, the modernized playgrounds will provide safe, inclusive and accessible outdoor recreation opportunities for families and visitors to Greater Sudbury.
“Safe and inclusive outdoor spaces play a critical role in the health and well-being 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 activities that are welcoming to everyone,” said Brian Bigger, Mayor of Greater Sudbury.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Minister 'outraged' after AFN national chief's headdress taken from Air Canada cabin
The federal minister of Crown-Indigenous relations is calling on Air Canada to 'make things right' with the national chief of the Assembly of First Nations, who said her headdress was removed from an airplane cabin during a flight this week.
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau on navigating post-political life, co-parenting and freedom
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau says there is 'still so much love' between her and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as they navigate their post-separation relationship co-parenting their three children.
'Violation': CSIS had officer investigated after she reported a superior raped her
A CSIS officer's allegations that she was raped repeatedly by a superior in agency vehicles set off a harassment inquiry, but also triggered an investigation into her that concluded the alleged attacks were a “misuse” of agency vehicles by the woman.
'Too young to have breast cancer': Rates among young Canadian women rising
Breast cancer rates are rising in Canada among women in their 20s, 30s and 40s, according to research by the University of Ottawa (uOttawa).
'I was scared': Ontario man's car repossessed after missing two repair loan payments
An Ontario man who took out a loan to pay for auto repairs said his car was repossessed after he missed two payments.
Canada recognizes housing as a human right. Few provinces have followed suit
As more Canadians find themselves struggling to afford or find housing, the country's smallest province is the only one that can point to legislation recognizing housing as a human right.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Taylor Swift dons Montreal designer's dress in 'Fortnight' video
A pair of Montreal designers' work has now been viewed over 41 million times. Taylor Swift dons a Victorian throwback black gown in her latest music video, 'Fortnight', designed by UNTTLD due Simon Belanger and Jose Manuel Saint-Jacques.
What to know about avian influenza in dairy cows and the risk to humans
Why is H5N1, or bird flu, a concern, how does it spread, and is there a vaccine? Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about avian influenza.