Minister Copps Announces Funding of $1.7 Million for a new Concert Hall in Rimouski
RIMOUSKI, August 2, 2002 -- Minister of Canadian Heritage Sheila Copps today announced funding of $1.7-million to help the City of Rimouski construct and equip a new concert hall."I am pleased to announce this financial assistance, which will provide Rimouski and the Lower St. Lawrence region with an outstanding location for cultural outreach," said Minister Copps. "A new high-technology concert hall will allow for an increased expression of creativity and artistic innovation in the region."
The project consists of the construction of a new 884-seat concert hall in downtown Rimouski that meets the highest professional standards for quality. The building will allow for several configurations and accommodate the presentation of unique events requiring complex stage design. The project will have a positive influence on the performing arts in Rimouski and the Lower St. Lawrence region, by offering the population a chance to discover and appreciate diverse quality programming. It also makes Rimouski a privileged performance space for artists on tour.
Financial assistance is being provided by the Department of Canadian Heritage, through the Cultural Spaces Canada program. Through this program, the Department covers up to 33% of total eligible project costs for construction and renovation of arts and heritage facilities as well as for projects that transform buildings that were not previously used for cultural purposes into arts or heritage facilities. The Department may also finance up to 50% of total eligible project costs for specialized equipment purchases and feasibility studies. The Cultural Spaces Canada program is part of a $568-million investment in the arts and culture, announced by the Prime Minister of Canada and the Minister of Canadian Heritage, on May 2, 2001. More information on Cultural Spaces Canada and application forms can be found at www.canadianheritage.gc.ca under the heading "Application Forms."
Funding for this project was provided for in the December 2001 federal budget and is therefore built into the existing fiscal framework.
Information:
Kerry Edmonds
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage
(819) 997-7788
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