$374,891 for Kiwanis Theatre improvements (updated)

Thanks to $374,891 from the federal government’s Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund (CIIF), improvements will be soon made to the Kiwanis Community Theatre Centre.

The improvements to the Theatre will combine for a more enjoyable experience for audiences attending performances at the venue.

Those improvements include approximately 1,000 new seats (replacing current seating, which is now 40 years old), heating and ventilation improvements to cut down on humming noises during performances, and a new foyer for the Theatre.

Sault Ste. Marie MP Bryan Hayes was on hand at the Theatre Friday morning to announce the funding, which is part of a $751,649 contribution for 15 Sault and area projects.

Hayes was introduced by Brian Wilson, past president and technical chair of the Kiwanis Community Theatre Centre.

Hayes is pictured above with Kiwanis Community Theatre Centre Board Chair, Peggy Cooper; Arts Council of Sault Ste. Marie and District Executive Director, Sandra Houston; and Algoma District School Board of Trustees Chair, Jennifer Sarlo.

The ADSB will be providing matching funds for the renovation project.

Cooper told the media Friday the renovations will begin as soon as possible and hopefully complete by the end of the summer.

Algoma Fall Festival performers will likely be the first major entertainers showcased at the renovated Theatre.

Cooper said the Theatre’s current middle aisle will be gone, to be replaced by long single rows of new seating, with more space between the rows for greater accessibility for audience members.

In addition to the heating and ventilation improvements, which currently give off a humming noise during performances, Cooper said the new foyer will look more like a true theatre lobby.

She added there are plans for a marquee to enhance the Theatre and White Pines Collegiate, which the Theatre is connected to.

Cooper said the renovations, once complete, will reflect the vision of Toronto/Temagami-based theatre planner and consultant Richard Smerdon, who designed the Kiwanis Community Theatre Centre.
 
A yet-to-be-named local architect will help carry out the work.

Meantime, among other Sault and area beneficiaries included in Friday’s federal government funding announcement include the Algoma Highlands Conservancy, to receive $100,000 for improvements to Norm’s Cabin Ecotourism Destination; the Township of St. Joseph, to receive $61,000 for renovations to the Old Town Hall;the Town of Bruce Mines, to receive $61,050 for replacement of its Water Treatment Back Up power generator; and the Township of Hilton to receive $58,041 for rehabilitation of Big Point Road.

Recipients of funding under the federal government’s Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund (CIIF) may receive up to $1 million in contributions, and must have access to a minimum of 50 percent of a CIIF contribution in matching funds from other sources, with projects to be completed by the end of March, 2014.

A news release regarding this funding announcement issued today by FedNor follows.

 

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Harper government strengthening community infrastructure in the Sault Ste. Marie region

SAULT STE. MARIE - Across Northern Ontario, community and cultural centres, hockey rinks, swimming pools, and other community projects will soon begin repair and rehabilitation work thanks to support from the Harper Government’s Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund (CIIF).

Bryan Hayes, member of Parliament for Sault Ste. Marie, on behalf of the Honourable Tony Clement, minister for FedNor, today announced 15 Sault Ste. Marie projects that will benefit from the Fund.

“I’m proud to see local organizations, such as the Kiwanis Community Theatre Centre, benefit from the Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund,” said MP Hayes. “Families and communities across the country will benefit from projects like these, which will also boost economic activity and leave a lasting legacy of modernized community facilities for future generations.”

“Our Government is pleased to support infrastructure projects across the country in communities like Sault Ste. Marie,” said Minister Clement. “By making investments in local infrastructure through the Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund, we are helping to create jobs, grow the economy and support the prosperity of communities for years to come.”

In Economic Action Plan 2012, the Harper Government announced further support to help communities across the country modernize their infrastructure.

The Plan identified $150 million over two years for the Fund to support projects that look to improve existing community infrastructure, such as community centres, recreational buildings, local arenas, cultural and other community facilities.

MP Hayes was joined by local community and business leaders at the Kiwanis Community Theatre Centre to announce $751,649 in CIIF funding for 15 Sault Ste. Marie projects, including $374,891 to renovate the performing arts facility.

“This investment by the federal government will help ensure that our facility continues to attract quality professional productions while meeting Algoma’s Community Groups and student needs for a venue to showcase their creative work,” says Brian Wilson, past president and technical chair of the Kiwanis Community Theatre Centre.

The Fund supports, on a cost-shared basis, repairs and improvements to existing community infrastructure that is accessible for use by the public.

Recipients of the Fund may receive contributions of up to $1 million and must leverage a minimum of 50 percent of funding from other sources.

The Government of Canada’s contribution to recipients is contingent on the successful execution of a contribution agreement.

FedNor - 25 years of successful investments in Northern Ontario.

To find out more about our programs and services, please visit: fednor.gc.ca or follow us on Twitter @FedNor

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