Government of Canada announces investment to support tourism in Sault Ste. Marie and Algoma

Historic Mill Square building in Sault Ste. Marie set to become a unique performance venue and tourist destination

 

August 14, 2019 – Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario – Federal Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario - FedNor

 

Tourism is an inclusive sector that showcases Canada’s culture, diversity, natural beauty and unique experiences to the world. It delivers economic benefits across the country by supporting one in ten jobs. That’s why the Government of Canada is investing in our tourism sector’s businesses and assets.

 

Today, Terry Sheehan, Member of Parliament for Sault Ste. Marie, on behalf of the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Tourism, Official Languages and La Francophonie, announced funding of $300,000 to support the Algoma Conservatory of Music (ACM) as it proceeds with the second phase of renovations to its venue. More specifically, available space at the historic administration building of the former St. Mary's Paper Mill is being converted into an intimate performance theatre and a recording facility linked to three other local performance venues. The project builds on the ACM's unique location to increase visitations as part of a new tourism destination offering musical performances, education and activities.

 

This investment is being made through the Canadian Experiences Fund (CEF), which supports Canadian businesses and organizations seeking to create, improve or enhance tourism products, facilities and experiences. FedNor is delivering CEF in Northern Ontario.

 

Quotes

 

“These investments will enable communities and businesses in all regions of the country to develop tourism products and experiences to attract more tourists year-round. This will help communities big and small reap the benefits of the global tourism boom to diversify their economies and create good jobs for middle-class families while showcasing Canada’s brand, centred on shared values of diversity and equality.”

-      The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Tourism, Official Languages and La Francophonie

 

“Innovation doesn’t only happen in big cities; it happens in all regions of Canada. That’s why our regional development agencies play an important role in helping businesses turn innovation into economic growth and good jobs for Canadians. Through the CEF, our government is investing in the development of our tourism sector and the economic potential of our vibrant communities.”

-      The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, and Minister responsible for FedNor

“Enhancing the Algoma Conservatory of Music represents a unique economic opportunity for the organization and the community. Thanks to this investment, the Mill Square waterfront complex will become a new culture and enterprise hub for the City of Sault Ste. Marie while helping repurpose the historic St. Mary's Paper Mill site.”

-      Terry Sheehan, Member of Parliament for Sault Ste. Marie

 

“I would like to thank FedNor for this investment and for supporting our vision to create a vibrant entertainment hub and tourist destination in Sault Ste. Marie. This financial support will help us maximize and equip our new recording studio which will be directly linked to our stunning new third floor performance venue, The Loft, and to The Machine Shop.  This makes this one of the finest and most unique recording facilities in Canada.  It will also enable our long-time partner, Algoma University, to utilize this space to develop a new commercial music program.”

-      Guy Traficante, Principal, Algoma Conservatory of Music

 

Quick facts

 

·        The funding announced today is in addition to a $2.1 million investment through the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund and the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program announced by MP Sheehan in December 2016.

 

·        This announcement takes place in support of Minister Joly’s recent announcement of a new tourism strategy: Creating Middle Class Jobs: A Federal Tourism Growth Strategy. The Strategy, which was developed based on feedback from Canadians and the work of the Advisory Council on Jobs and the Visitor Economy, highlights the importance of Canada’s tourism sector as an economic driver for communities across the country.

 

·        Tourism represents more than 2% of Canada’s gross domestic product and supports more than 1.8 million jobs in Canada.

 

·        The funding announced today is provided through FedNor, which is one of Canada’s six regional development agencies supporting economic development in every region of Canada.

 

·        Regional development agencies are one of Canada’s four flagship platforms supporting innovation, along with the Industrial Research Assistance Program, Strategic Innovation Fund and the Canadian Trade Commissioner Service.

 

Associated links

 

·         Guidelines on the Canadian Experiences Fund in Northern Ontario.

·         To find out more about our programs and services, please visit: fednor.gc.ca.

 

·         Follow us on Twitter: @FedNor.

 

·         Follow Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada on Twitter: @ISED_CA