Office of Terry Sheehan
Member of Parliament for Sault Ste. Marie
News Release
For Immediate Release
August 14, 2019 – Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario – The Sault’s Historic Mill Square is set to become a unique performance venue and tourist destination.
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 as it proceeds with the second phase of renovations to its venue.
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 Conservatory’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 delivers funding under this program in Northern Ontario.
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.
In 2015 the Algoma Conservatory of Music purchased the historic cornerstone office building, and the Machine Shop next to it has since been developed into a large special event venue by another owner. Five years later, after considerable investment at the site, the Conservatory is thriving. The Algoma Conservatory project adds another dimension with a stunning new performance venue, The Loft, and a unique recording studio that will link to multiple venues and be one of the finest in Canada.
Quotes
“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.”
“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
“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 NAVDEEP BAINS
Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, and Minister responsible for FedNor
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