Skip to content

WATCH: Feds pony up $12.5M for Place des Arts

Funding will help with construction costs and green building investments

The plan to build a 60,000-square-foot Francophone arts and cultural centre in downtown Sudbury is $12.5 million further along after a major funding announcement today.

Heritage Canada Minister Mélanie Joly was on hand for the announcement, as were Mayor Brian Bigger, Nickel Belt MP Marc Serré and Sudbury MP Paul Lefebvre.

The announcement was made at the McEwen School of Architecture, downtown.

Of the funding, $9.5 million flows from the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund, while the remaining $3 million was provided by FedNor. The FedNor funds will be use to make technological and energy efficiency investments in the building itself, including a solar wall, a green roof, rainwater recovery system and LED lighting throughout.

The city has already pledged $5 million toward the project.

The event began, though, with a moment of silence for Paulette Gagnon, the director of the development for Place des Arts and a tireless champion of Franco-Ontarian culture and art.

Gagnon passed away this week at the age of 62. At this morning's announcement, several speakers highlighted her contributions and her work on behalf of the Francophone community.
 


Comments

Verified reader

If you would like to apply to become a verified commenter, please fill out this form.