The Harbourfront Theatre will soon embark on a project to accommodate the permanent location of the local Visitor Information Centre, and to undertake exterior infrastructure improvements, thanks to contributions from the federal and provincial governments. The Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of National Revenue and Minister for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), the Honourable Robert Henderson, PEI Minister of Tourism and Culture, along with officials from the Regional Cultural Event Centre Inc. (Harbourfront Theatre) today announced funding and project details.

“By helping to improve our community-based facilities, like this beautiful theatre, our Government is contributing to united and prosperous communities for many years to come,” said Minister Shea. “This investment will have immediate and long-term benefits for the Theatre, the Visitor Information Centre and for the many Island residents and visiting guests who travel through this fantastic facility.”

The Government of Canada, through ACOA, will invest $157,782 from the Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund. The Government of Prince Edward Island will invest $90,000 through the Department of Tourism and Culture, and $66,080 through the Island Community Fund. The Regional Cultural Event Centre Inc. will contribute $34,818.

“The Harbourfront Theatre is an incredibly valuable asset in terms of its contribution to the arts and to the cultural fabric of the province,” said Minister Henderson. “The addition of a new visitor information centre on site will not only benefit visitors to the province who require assistance, but it will also help promote programming at the theatre itself by exposing those visitors to upcoming performances and programming.”

The Visitor Information Centre (VIC) has been located in a temporary space in the lobby of the Harbourfront Theatre for the past two years. This arrangement has proven beneficial for each party and, with government support, the arrangement will now become permanent. The interior work will involve reconfiguring existing space to accommodate for the VIC and also relocate theatre administrative offices, and a multi-purpose room.

“We are so pleased to have support from the federal and provincial governments which has allowed us to move forward with our internal and external facility improvement plans,” said Mr. Kieran Keller, General Manager of Harbourfront Theatre. “As a driving force within the community to encourage and develop an appreciation for the performing arts, it is important that our facility is current, appealing and safe for our guests.”

Infrastructure upgrades to the exterior of the facility will include re-shingling the roof, replacing pillars at the front entrance, as well as repairs to the wheelchair ramp and siding. In Economic Action Plan 2012, the Government of Canada announced plans to further modernize Canada’s infrastructure by committing $150 million over two years for the Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund. The Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency is delivering the Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund in Atlantic Canada with an allocation of $16.6 million.

The Prince Edward Island Government is delivering funds to eligible infrastructure projects through the Island Community Fund, a multi-year funding commitment to address infrastructure needs in communities across the province.