Government of Canada invests over $1.7 million to revitalize local infrastructure in Greater Sudbury

Shared public spaces are at the heart of communities across Canada. They draw in residents and visitors, and support local businesses and jobs. In Sudbury, as in so many places across Canada, these outdoor spaces have seen a significant increase in use since Canadians first took precautions to stay safe from COVID-19. These amenities are integral to the overall wellbeing of individuals, families and communities.

Today, Viviane Lapointe, Member of Parliament for Sudbury, was joined by Marc G. Serré, Member of Parliament for Nickel Belt and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Official Languages, to announce a total federal investment of $1,762,520 through FedNor, the Canada Community Revitalization Fund (CCRF), Canada Cultural Spaces Fund and Building Communities through Arts and Heritage for YES Theatre and the City of Greater Sudbury. The announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for FedNor, and the Honourable Pablo Rodriguez, Minister of Canadian Heritage.

Of the total, YES Theatre will receive a CCRF investment of $448,420 through FedNor to construct the Refettorio, a state-of-the-art 180-seat outdoor performance venue and community space in downtown Sudbury. Once complete, the Refettorio will host up to four main stage productions each summer and serve as the new home of YES Theatre’s annual Summer Musical Theatre Festival. The space will also be accessible to arts and culture organizations, artistic groups and individuals in need of a safe venue to host audiences. FedNor funding of $35,000 is also helping YES Theatre hire a youth intern to expand marketing and promotional efforts for its Summer Festival to help attract more visitors from outside the region.

Canadian Heritage is also contributing $750,000 through the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund for the construction of the Refettorio, as well as $34,100 through the Building Communities through Arts and Heritage program to support the theatre’s festival programming.

As part of the announcement, the City of Greater Sudbury will also receive CCRF funding of $495,000 from FedNor to revitalize eight community playgrounds located in areas of high priority areas, including the downtown core. Once upgrades are complete, the modernized playgrounds will provide safe, inclusive and accessible outdoor recreation opportunities for families and visitors to Greater Sudbury.