The Government of Canada is committed to priority infrastructure initiatives that support a growing economy, a cleaner environment and stronger communities. A new performing arts complex in Cambridge, Ontario will provide a rich, cultural environment that will help preserve, develop and enhance access to culture and heritage for Canadians.
The Government of Canada will consider the construction of a performing arts complex in Cambridge and upgrades to existing venues operated by Drayton Entertainment in Ontario as a priority for funding under the Building Canada infrastructure plan. The contribution from Building Canada would be up to a maximum of $6 million.
Federal funding towards a performing arts complex in Cambridge is subject to the initiative meeting all applicable federal eligibility requirements under the Building Canada infrastructure plan, successful negotiations with the Province of Ontario of a Framework Agreement, as well as confirmation of provincial and municipal funding participation.
The total cost of the project is estimated at $18 million.
Total federal funding from the Building Canada plan will not exceed a maximum of one-third of eligible costs as defined under the Building Canada infrastructure plan.
The new 15,000 square foot performing arts facility will be open year-round and seat 500-600 people. 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 upgrades would include technical upgrades, changes to seating capacity and improvements to exterior grounds. A new production and administration facility will be built as part of the project.
Qs & As on the project
Q1. What was announced?
A1. The announcement signals that the Government of Canada will consider the construction of a new performing arts complex in Cambridge, Ontario and upgrades to six other arts venues as a priority for funding under the Building Canada infrastructure plan. Also part of the project is the construction of a new production and administration facility. The contribution from Building Canada would be up to a maximum of $6 million. A maximum of one-third of eligible costs will be provided by the federal government, once appropriate agreements have been signed with the Province of Ontario and other federal requirements have been met.
Q2. What is the total cost of the project? Who is funding it?
A2. The total cost of the project is estimated at $18 million by Drayton Entertainment. The City of Cambridge has committed $6 million towards the project.
Q3. What is being built?
A3. A new year-round performing arts complex will be built in Cambridge, Ontario. This 15,000 square foot facility would seat between 500-600 people.
Existing theatre venues in Ontario operated by Drayton Entertainment located in Drayton, Grand Bend, Penetanguishene, and St. Jacobs will also receive upgrades that include technical upgrades, changes to seating capacity and improvements to exterior grounds.
A new production and administration facility 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.
Q4. What is the status of the construction?
A4. Construction of the new performing arts complex has not begun.
Q5. What is the source of federal funding for the performing arts complex?
A5. The performing arts complex will be funded under the Building Canada Fund from the Building Canada infrastructure plan.
Q6. Does the performing arts complex require an environmental assessment?
A6. Yes, an environmental assessment is required.
Q7. What do you mean by appropriate agreements and other federal requirements?
A7. Financial support for the performing arts complex in Cambridge and upgrades to existing venues operated by Drayton Entertainment in Ontario is conditional on the successful negotiation with the Province of Ontario of a framework agreement under the Building Canada infrastructure plan, as well as the completion of the necessary project funding agreement. In addition, we need to ensure that the initiative meets all of the applicable eligibility requirements under Building Canada.
Q8. With all the requirements listed, it doesn’t seem like a very firm commitment on the part of the federal government. Will this project be funded by the federal government?
A8. The Government of Canada recognizes the cultural and economic importance of a new performing arts complex in Cambridge. However, we need to ensure that the project meets all the requirements under the Building Canada infrastructure plan.
Q9. Why are you announcing this before an agreement on Building Canada with the Province of Ontario is signed?
A9. The Government of Canada is investing in priority infrastructure projects that support a growing economy, a cleaner environment and more prosperous communities. The construction of a new performing arts complex has been identified as a priority and we are pleased to be a partner in this initiative.
Q10. Why isn’t the province here for this announcement? What is the state of negotiations on Building Canada with Ontario?
A10. Negotiations are ongoing with the province of Ontario with a view to sign a framework agreement under the Building Canada plan as soon as possible. The Government of Canada is making a clear commitment to this project in Cambridge.
Q11. How much will Ontario receive under Building Canada?
A11. Over $7.7 billion has been earmarked for public infrastructure projects in Ontario under the Building Canada plan. The funding will be provided over the course of seven years, from 2007 to 2014. This funding includes over $4.4 billion in Gas Tax funding, which goes directly to communities across Ontario for environmentally sustainable infrastructure and local roads improvements.
Q12. Why is the construction of a performing arts complex in Cambridge considered a priority for funding under the Building Canada Plan, and not a basic infrastructure project, such as a water treatment plant?
Through Building Canada, the Government of Canada is investing in priority infrastructure projects that support a growing economy, a cleaner environment and more prosperous communities. Cultural infrastructure, such as theatres, museums and art galleries, provides the venues for citizen engagement and participation in artistic and cultural activities that help define a community. Cultural industries also generate economic activity and attract skilled workers and tourists to a community.
Other federal infrastructure money is going to things like water treatment, transit, sewage, roads. All communities - including Cambridge - receive Gas Tax Fund money to help address local infrastructure priorities.
