Cambridge, Ontario — Gary Goodyear, Member of Parliament for Cambridge, on behalf of the Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, today announced that the Government of Canada has identified the construction of a performing arts complex in Cambridge as a priority for funding under the Building Canada infrastructure plan. MP Goodyear was joined by Alex Mustakas, Artistic Director and CEO of Drayton Entertainment, for the announcement.
The contribution from Building Canada would be up to one-third of total eligible costs, to a maximum of $6 million.
The project includes three key components:
the creation of a state-of-the-art, year-round performing arts complex in Cambridge;
the consolidation of Drayton Entertainment’s production and administration facilities in one multi-functional environment;
and technical upgrades to several of Drayton Entertainment’s existing six Ontario venues.
The total cost of the project for the independent non-profit charitable arts organization is estimated at $18 million.
“The Government of Canada is investing in cultural infrastructure projects that develop and promote Canada’s rich multicultural heritage,” said MP Goodyear. “Cultural infrastructure, such as this new performing arts complex in Cambridge, provides venues for citizen engagement and participation in key artistic and cultural activities.”
Cambridge Mayor Doug Craig welcomed the announcement. “This is fantastic news for the City of Cambridge,” Mr. Craig said. “I really appreciate Mr. Goodyear’s hard work and the federal government for this funding to combine with the funding from the City. Now all we need is for the province to step up to the plate."
“This is truly a groundbreaking day for our organization,” said Mr. Mustakas. “This project is unique in that its impact will directly pay dividends for multiple communities in Ontario while simultaneously elevating Drayton Entertainment’s ability to develop exciting new artistic opportunities that will have both national and international significance.”
The new 15,000 square foot performing arts facility in Cambridge will be open year round and seat 500-600 people.
Drayton Entertainment’s centralized office will house all theatrical components, including set construction, props, audio, carpentry, costumes, administration, call centre, rehearsal space, and housing for artistic personnel to support future growth.
The existing theatre venues in Ontario operated by Drayton Entertainment that will benefit from this project are located in Drayton, Grand Bend, Penetanguishene, and St. Jacobs. These advances would include technical upgrades, changes to seating capacity, and improvements to exterior grounds.
It is anticipated these developments will enable Drayton Entertainment to increase its audience base to over 300,000 annually, making it Ontario’s second-largest theatre festival.
Federal financial support for the construction of the performing arts complex is conditional on the initiative meeting all applicable federal eligibility requirements under the Building Canada infrastructure plan, including full federal due diligence, and successful negotiations with the Province of Ontario of a Framework Agreement, as well as confirmation of provincial and municipal funding participation.
Through its unprecedented $33-billion Building Canada infrastructure plan, the Government of Canada is providing long-term, stable and predictable funding to help meet infrastructure needs across Canada. Building Canada is supporting a stronger, safer and better country.
For more information on this funding announcement, click here.
