Harbourfront Centre receives $20M for repairs
Toronto’s Harbourfront Centre is receiving money for some much-needed capital work.
The federal government announced on August 11 that it would direct $20 million to the facility over the next two years. The money will be used to perform priority capital improvements and repairs that will update performance spaces and venues, and address issues necessary to safely welcome back artists, visitors, audiences and staff who have faced extraordinary challenges because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Investing in the Harbourfront Centre, says the government, will not only improve the infrastructure, but also support access to arts, culture and recreation, and provide greater opportunities to showcase the diversity and richness of Canada.
The funding is provided through the Department of Canadian Heritage's Harbourfront Centre Funding Program. The program provides operating funding to the Harbourfront Centre to allow it to offer access to cultural, educational and recreational programs and activities on the Toronto waterfront, to support its fixed operating costs and to facilitate the Harbourfront Centre's ability to leverage funding from other sources and pursue other revenue-generating strategies.
"Canadian Heritage's significant capital investment recognizes the vital role Harbourfront Centre has played hosting a diverse range of artists and communities in its venues for close to 50 years,” said Harbourfront CEO Marah Braye. “This funding enables us to continue to build an inclusive and sustainable cultural centre and repair aging infrastructure, focusing on enhanced accessibility, so that we can continue to present world-class programming to our audiences. We thank Canadian Heritage on behalf of the millions of visitors who join us every year and look forward to a safe and successful reopening and to serving our community into the future."
Nearly 5 million people visit the Harbourfront Centre site annually.
Featured image: The Harbourfront Centre boardwalk. (Harbourfront Centre)