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 180-seat outdoor theatre, modernize 8 community playgrounds, and generate 26 permanent jobs. (Supplied)

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.