February 14, 2007

McGUINTY GOVERNMENT INVESTS IN CULTURAL INFRASTRUCTURE TO BOOST ECONOMIC GROWTH
$6.8 Million In Capital Grants Will Go To Cultural Organizations Across Ontario

TORONTO — Libraries, museums and heritage buildings across the province will benefit from a total investment of $6.8 million from the $190 million economic stimulus package designed to boost jobs and growth in Ontario, Minister of Culture Caroline Di Cocco announced today.

“The capital grants will be distributed to cultural organizations across the province that have ready-to-go infrastructure projects,” said Di Cocco. “Most of the projects are located outside major urban centres, and will generate immediate economic activity and jobs in those communities.”

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.
“These projects will have both cultural and economic benefits for many communities,” said Di Cocco. “Work planned for their libraries, museums and heritage buildings will be completed ahead of the original schedule as a result of this funding.”  

Examples of the various culture infrastructure projects the Ontario government is assisting include:

• $1,600,000 to Fort Frances Public Library, Fort Frances
• $500,000 to Minto Heritage Facility, Wellington County
• $170,000 to Art Gallery of Algoma, Sault Ste. Marie
• $50,000 to Bonnechere Museum, Eganville

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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Contacts:
Mark Thompson, Minister’s Office, (416) 325-4071
Guy Lepage, Communications Branch, (416) 314-3497