Art Gallery of Algoma gets a sprucing-up

NEWS RELEASE

DAVID ORAZIETTI, M.P.P.

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Orazietti announces $170,000 for infrastructure improvements at Art Gallery of Algoma

McGuinty government investment supporting the arts and creating jobs

Sault Ste. Marie - The Art Gallery of Algoma will receive $170,000 in capital funding as part of the McGuinty government's plan to boost jobs and economic growth in Ontario, David Orazietti, MPP announced today.

"With this investment we are helping to substantially improve the Art Gallery of Algoma facility," said Orazietti.

"The new project will produce both cultural and economic benefits in our community and completes important infrastructure upgrades at the Gallery ahead of schedule," Orazietti said.

Today's investment will help fund interior and exterior upgrades to the Art Gallery of Algoma building and will bring new construction jobs and economic activity associated with the project.

"This funding couldn't have come at a better time," said Michael Burtch, director and curator of the Art Gallery of Algoma.

"It is crucially important to preserve such a rich collection of our cultural heritage and make it available both to the community and visitors to our area," Burtch said.

"The upgrades will allow us to revitalize the building and many aspects of our service to the public," he said.

"This government is providing $6.8 million to libraries, museums and heritage buildings across the province for ready-to-go infrastructure projects," said Minister of Culture Caroline Di Cocco.

"The projects will help create jobs and economic activity in many communities outside major urban centres," Di Cocco said.

The funding is part of the McGuinty government's $190 million economic stimulus package designed to boost jobs and growth in Ontario.

The projects include restoration, construction and expansion of museums, building of new libraries and renovation and expansion of existing libraries, as well as repair and restoration of heritage buildings.

On February 2, 2007, Orazietti also announced $170,000 for infrastructure improvements at the main branch of the Sault Ste. Marie Public Library as part of this province-wide initiative.

Since 2003, investments in infrastructure, postsecondary education, research and innovation and key economic sectors have helped strengthen Ontario's economic foundations and continue to build opportunity.

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