HALIFAX, April 18, 2019 /CNW/ - Strategic investments in public infrastructure, including funding for cultural projects, play a key role in supporting dynamic communities while creating good jobs that help grow the middle class.

Today, the Honourable Bernadette Jordan, Minister of Rural Economic Development, and the Honourable Stephen McNeil, Premier of Nova Scotia, announced the construction of a new home for the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia on the Halifax waterfront.

The new approximately 142,000 square foot, state-of-the-art facility will include large public spaces for Canadians to experience, preserve, and express their cultural heritage. It will also include additional space for the Gallery's permanent collection, providing visitors with increased access to more diverse artists and larger exhibitions.

Located on the "Salter Block", adjacent to Lower Water Street between Bishop's Landing and Salter Street, the new building will contribute to the ongoing development of the Halifax waterfront, bringing increased economic opportunities and tourism to the region, and establishing Halifax as a top destination for arts and culture.

The Government of Canada is investing $30 million in the project through the Territorial Infrastructure Component – National and Regional Projects. The Art Gallery of Nova Scotia will lead a capital campaign which is expected to raise approximately $30 million. The province will cover the remaining cost of the project, at least $70 million, with the exact amount to be determined following competitive processes.

Quotes

"The new Art Gallery of Nova Scotia will be a hub for arts, creativity and culture in the Maritimes. Not only will it provide an enhanced and innovative experience for residents and visitors, it will support future artists and their businesses, showcasing Nova Scotia's culture and excellence in visual arts nationally and internationally."

The Honourable Bernadette Jordan, Minister of Rural Economic Development

"Culture helps to tell the story of who we are as Nova Scotians and we value the significant contributions the arts bring to the province's economy through job creation, cultural exports and tourism opportunities. The Art Gallery of Nova Scotia belongs to all Nova Scotians and benefits us all and we look forward to its expanded presence in its new home."

The Honourable Stephen McNeil, Premier of Nova Scotia

 "Arts facilities like the one we are celebrating today are vital to the growth and success of our communities. They bring together artists, families, neighbours and friends, and give all of us a chance to celebrate the diversity of our country. The brand new Art Gallery of Nova Scotia will be an architectural gem on the downtown Halifax waterfront that will attract visitors from around the region, country and world. This project will create new jobs and more opportunities for people to enjoy our beautiful city."

Andy Fillmore, Member of Parliament for Halifax

"The Art Gallery of Nova Scotia has a bold future ahead. For the past year we have been engaging with Nova Scotians to reimagine what it means to be an art gallery and a new facility will allow us to set a course that matches the province's diversity and ambition."

Nancy Noble, Director and CEO, Art Gallery of Nova Scotia 

Quick facts

• Through the Investing in Canada infrastructure plan, the Government of Canada will invest more than $180 billion over 12 years in public transit projects, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, trade and transportation routes, and Canada's rural and northern communities.
• $25.3 billion of this funding will support social infrastructure in Canadian communities.
• These investments complement the Atlantic Growth Strategy, a federal-provincial action plan aimed at stimulating economic growth in the region through five priority areas:
• Skilled workforce/Immigration;
• Innovation;
• Clean growth and climate change;
• Trade and investment;
• Infrastructure.

Associated links

Investing in Canada: Canada's Long-Term Infrastructure Plan:
http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/icp-publication-pic-eng.html

Investing in Canada Plan Project Map:
http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/map

Federal infrastructure investments in Nova Scotia: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/map-carte/ns-eng.html

Atlantic Growth Strategy: http://www.acoa-apeca.gc.ca/ags-sca/Eng/atlantic-growth.html

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Web: Infrastructure Canada

SOURCE Infrastructure Canada

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