Minister Oliver and Minister Goodyear Celebrate Launch of Massey Hall Revitalization Project

TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - Feb. 23, 2015) - Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario)

Minister of Finance and Minister Responsible for the GTA Joe Oliver and FedDev Ontario Minister of State Gary Goodyear celebrated the launch of the first phase of the Massey Hall revitalization project today.

The Government of Canada is contributing up to $8 million for this project, which also leverages support from other levels of government and private investors.

Since 1894, Massey Hall has played a unique role in Canada's cultural history, offering an intimate venue for concerts and other events featuring many of the world's leading performers. In order to operate as a modern, fully-functional performance venue, the Corporation of Massey Hall and Roy Thomson Hall is embarking on a $135-million, multi-phased plan to provide much needed improvements to Massey Hall. The federal investment will support the first phase of the plan with the construction of a new two-storey basement. The basement will eventually support modernized back of house facilities including a first-ever loading dock, backstage and artist space, as well as technical and production facilities. With these enhancements, the facility will be able to accommodate increasingly complex and technologically sophisticated staging components, along with sound and lighting equipment.

Since 2009, FedDev Ontario has acted as a co-investor and champion for southern Ontario communities, businesses and not-for-profit organizations by strategically investing in projects that help build a strong foundation for long-term economic growth and actively promoting the region and its attributes.

Quick Facts

• The 120-year-old Massey Hall is host to a number of artistic and cultural events, including concerts featuring internationally renowned performers.
• As a result of the modernization of this cultural icon, it is expected that up to 408 temporary full-time equivalent jobs will be created, and direct revenue streams from the arts and culture industry will experience sustained growth.
• Massey Hall has been repeatedly voted Canada's Best Live Music Venue Over 1,500 Seats and Venue of the Year by Canadian music industry associations.
• Since its creation in August 2009, FedDev Ontario has invested more than $1.2 billion, resulting in partnerships with thousands of organizations and more than $1.5 billion in additional leveraged investments from almost exclusively non-government sources to support businesses, organizations and communities in southern Ontario.

Quotes

"Massey Hall is a landmark that has attracted some of the biggest names in performing arts to Toronto for 120 years. Our Government is proud to be supporting this revitalization project, because it will maintain and modernize this iconic building, contribute to the cultural and social fabric of the city and generate economic growth, job creation and increased tourism throughout the GTA."

- The Honourable Joe Oliver, Minister of Finance and Minister Responsible for the GTA

"The revitalization of Massey Hall will not only benefit the arts and culture industry, it will also increase tourism by attracting visitors from all over the world. Our Government is committed to creating vibrant Canadian communities and supporting cultural venues, like Massey Hall, in their pursuits to become desirable destinations for international audiences."

- The Honourable Gary Goodyear, Minister of State for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario

"Massey Hall is one of our country's most important cultural sites, and the Government of Canada, has recognized that investing in Massey Hall's future will ensure that it continues to play a major role as an iconic venue while encouraging the development of new talent. This support will help Massey Hall continue to contribute to the lives of Canadians through arts, employment, and cultural celebration for generations to come."

- Charles Cutts, President and CEO of The Corporation of Massey Hall and Roy Thompson Hall

Related Products

Massey Hall Press Release

Associated Links

Massey Hall Revitalization

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