Government of Canada Supports Quartier des Spectacles in Montréal

Montréal, Québec, November 12, 2007 - The Government of Canada, through its brand new Building Canada infrastructure plan, will consider the Quartier des spectacles cultural precinct as a funding priority.  This financing could cover as much as one third of eligible costs, for a federal contribution of a maximum of $40 million for the cultural precinct of the Quartier des spectacles. The Government of Québec and the City of Montréal have also confirmed a financial commitment for this project, both for an amount of $40 million each. The Honourable Josée Verner, Minister of Canadian Heritage, the Status of Women and Official Languages, and the Honourable Michael M Fortier, Minister of Public Works and Government Services, made this announcement today, on behalf of the Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities.

From left to right: The Honourable Michael M. Fortier, Minister of Public Works and Government Services, Jean Charest, Premier of Québec, Christine St-Pierre, Minister of Culture, Communications and the Status of Women, and Gérald Tremblay, Mayor of Montréal.

The Quartier des spectacles is centered on the intersection of Sainte-Catherine Street and Saint-Laurent Boulevard, covering almost a square kilometre bound by City Councillors Street, Berri Street, Sherbrooke Street, and René-Lévesque Boulevard. This area is home to 30 performance halls totalling almost 28,000 seats, numerous international festivals, art galleries and centres for the exhibition and broadcast of alternative culture. The Quartier des spectacles supports more than 7,000 jobs linked to cultural activities, from education through to public outreach, including production, exhibition, and broadcasting.

"Promoting the cultural development of our cities is important for the Government of Canada," said Minister Verner. "This is a priority of our Building Canada infrastructure plan, which is ensuring access to quality infrastructure. Our government's support for Montreal's Quartier des spectacles is a concrete demonstration of the value we place on cultural development in all its forms, ensuring the enrichment of citizens' lives."

"The Building Canada infrastructure plan is advancing quality infrastructure," said Minister Fortier. "Through Building Canada, our government acknowledges the importance of preserving, developing and improving access to culture."

Financial support for the project, for a maximum of $40 million, is conditional on the signing of a framework agreement with the Province of Québec under the Building Canada infrastructure plan. Funding is also conditional upon the completion of a due diligence review of the project, the successful completion of environmental assessments required under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, the signing of a contribution agreement outlining the project details and the parameters for federal financing, and on compliance with the obligations set out in the framework agreement.

Through its unprecedented $33-billion Building Canada infrastructure plan, the Government provides long-term, stable and predictable funding to help meet infrastructure needs across Canada. Building Canada supports a stronger, safer and better country.

For further information contact:

Karine White
Press Secretary
Office of Minister Cannon
613-991-0700

Infrastructure Canada
613-948-1148