Ontario Construction News staff writer
The Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario (FedNor) has announced $1.7 million to build a 180-seat outdoor theatre and modernize community playgrounds in Sudbury.
“Safe and inclusive outdoor spaces play a critical role in the health and well-being of our entire community. This FedNor funding will help us modernize some of our most heavily used playgrounds, ensuring children, families and visitors have access to outdoor recreational activities that are welcoming to everyone,” Greater Sudbury mayor Brian Bigger said in a statement.
YES Theatre will receive $448,420 to construct a state-of-the-art 180-seat outdoor performance venue and community space in downtown Sudbury.
Once complete, the facility will host up to four main stage productions each summer and serve as the new home of YES Theatre’s annual Summer Musical Theatre Festival.
Canadian Heritage is also contributing $750,000 through the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund for the construction of the Refettorio.
“I am thrilled that FedNor and the Government of Canada are investing in our vision to create a safe inclusive space for artistic performance in historic downtown Sudbury. Our creative economy is thriving and our new outdoor performance venue will fill an important need for artists, performers and audiences of all ages,” said Alessandro Costantini, artistic director of YES Theatre.
The City of Greater Sudbury will also receive $495,000 from FedNor to revitalize eight community playgrounds located in areas of high priority areas, including downtown.
Once upgrades are complete, the modernized playgrounds will provide safe, inclusive and accessible outdoor recreation opportunities for families and visitors to Greater Sudbury.
“Upgrading local playgrounds and constructing an open-air theatre in the downtown core are essential steps to building a thriving community, vibrant economy and culturally rich public gathering spaces that will benefit Greater Sudbury and beyond,” said Sudbury MP Viviane Lapointe.