The federal government has announced the construction of a performing arts complex in Cambridge as a priority for funding under the Building Canada infrastructure plan.
That means Drayton Entertainment will get a new and permanent home.
Cambridge MP Gary Goodyear made the announcement on behalf of Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities Lawrence Cannon.
Goodyear was joined by Alex Mustakas, artistic director and chief executive officer EO of Drayton Entertainment, for the announcement.
The contribution from Building Canada would be up to one-third of total eligible costs, to a maximum of $6-million.
The project includes three components: the creation of a state-of-the-art, year-round performing arts complex in Cambridge; the consolidation of Drayton Entertainment’s production and administration facilities in one multi-functional environment; and technical upgrades to several of Drayton Entertainment’s existing six Ontario venues.
The total cost of the project for the independent, non-profit charitable arts organization is estimated at $18-million.
“The government of Canada is investing in cultural infrastructure projects that develop and promote Canada’s rich multicultural heritage,” said Goodyear. “Cultural infrastructure such as this new performing arts complex … provides venues for citizen engagement and participation in key artistic and cultural activities.”
Cambridge Mayor Doug Craig welcomed the announcement.
“This is fantastic News for the City of Cambridge,” Craig said. “I really appreciate Mr. Goodyear’s hard work and the federal government for this funding to combine with the funding from the City. Now all we need is for the province to step up to the plate."
Mustakas was also pleased.
“This is truly a groundbreaking day for our organization,” he said. “This project is unique in that its impact will directly pay dividends for multiple communities in Ontario while simultaneously elevating Drayton Entertainment’s ability to develop exciting new artistic opportunities that will have both national and international significance.”
The new 15,000 square foot performing arts facility in Cambridge will be open year-round and seat 500 to 600 people.
Drayton Entertainment’s centralized office will house all theatrical components, including set construction, props, audio, carpentry, costumes, administration, call centre, rehearsal space, and housing for artistic personnel to support future growth.
The existing theatre venues in Ontario operated by Drayton Entertainment that will benefit from the project are located in Drayton, Grand Bend, Penetanguishene, and St. Jacobs. The work would include technical upgrades, changes to seating capacity, and improvements to exterior grounds.
It is anticipated these developments will enable Drayton Entertainment to increase its audience base to over 300,000 annually, making it Ontario’s second-largest theatre festival.
Federal financial support for the construction of the performing arts complex is conditional on the initiative meeting all applicable federal eligibility requirements under the Building Canada infrastructure plan, including full federal due diligence, and successful negotiations with the Ontario framework agreement, as well as confirmation of provincial and municipal funding participation.
Through its $33-billion Building Canada infrastructure plan, the government of Canada is providing long-term, stable and predictable funding to help meet infrastructure needs across Canada.
