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
NEW Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
NEW Life got in the way of one woman's reunion with her father, but a DNA test gained her a family
Anne Marie Cavner was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father, but then life dealt her a blow. From an unexpected loss to a host of new relationships, a DNA test changed her life, and she doesn't regret a thing.
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
Quebec farmers have been protesting since December. Is anyone listening?
Upset about high interest rates, growing paperwork and heavy regulatory burdens, protesting farmers have become a familiar sight across Quebec since December.
'Catch-and-kill' strategy to be a focus as testimony resumes in Trump hush money case
A veteran tabloid publisher was expected to return to the witness stand Tuesday in Donald Trump's historic hush money trial.
Quebec Health Department reports 28 cases of eye damage linked to solar eclipse
Quebec's Health Department says it has received 28 reports of eye damage related to the April 8 total solar eclipse that passed over southern parts of the province.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.
Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice. Lose his arm or lose his life
An alligator attacked a diver on April 15 as he surfaced from his dive, nearly out of air. His tank emptied with the gator's jaws crushing the arm he put up in defence.
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.