FedNor invests $500,000 in local theatre complex

BRACEBRIDGE, Ontario, November 17, 2006 — The Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of Health and Minister for FedNor, today announced FedNor funding of $500,000 for the Town of Bracebridge to support the completion of the Rene M. Caisse Memorial Theatre.

“Canada’s New Government is getting things done for the people of Bracebridge,” said Minister Clement. “We recognize the importance of supporting tourism and retail throughout Northern Ontario. This state-of-the-art community theatre will be a drawing card for both residents and visitors alike, and will create much needed jobs in the Bracebridge area.”

The municipality is working in concert with the Bracebridge Arts Council on the $2.5M project. When complete, the theatre will boast a stage area of approximately 1700 square feet, with a seating capacity for nearly 300 guests. FedNor funding will help offset the planning and construction costs and equipment needs of the theatre, which will be linked through common areas to an adjacent secondary school and recreation complex.

“Establishing a first-class entertainment facility in the Town of Bracebridge will help us attract more people to the area and provide a much needed boost to our retail sector during the offseasons,” said Mr. Scott Northmore, Mayor of Bracebridge. “This theatre will allow us to bring in quality entertainment and attractions year-round.”

By partnering with the Town of Bracebridge to support economic development initiatives through its programs and services, FedNor is opening doors and building futures for a prosperous Northern Ontario.

To find out more about FedNor, visit us at: http://fednor.ic.gc.ca

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For more information, please contact:

Erik Waddell
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Tony Clement
613-957-0200

Barclay Babcock
Communications Officer
FedNor
705-671-0715 or 1-877-333-6673