EDMUNDSTON (GNB)  – The provincial government is investing $500,000 towards renovations to the Salle Léo-Poulin (auditorium) in Edmundston.

The federal government and the City of Edmundston are also contributing to the project.

“Our government firmly believes that investing in our cultural and community infrastructure is important to help rebuild New Brunswick's economy,” said Social Development Minister Madeleine Dubé. “Our government's investment in the Salle Léo-Poulin's modernization project will contribute to both the cultural vitality of the City of Edmundston and the Madawaska region, and also contribute to the economic development of the community by attracting more renowned shows and artists.”

Dubé spoke on behalf of Natural Resources Minister Paul Robichaud, who is also minister responsible for the Regional Development Corporation.

“Our government is proud to invest in upgrades to the Salle Léo-Poulin,” said federal Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Minister Bernard Valcourt. “This announcement demonstrates our government's commitment to supporting the cultural vitality of our communities and the economic growth of our regions. Updates to the equipment at the Salle Léo-Poulin will provide residents and visitors alike with rich cultural experiences and access to high-quality entertainment.”

Valcourt spoke on behalf of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages Minister Shelly Glover  and of Rob Moore, minister of state for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA).
 
Upgrades to the Salle Léo-Poulin, the largest auditorium of its kind in the region, will mean major entertainment events can be presented there in conditions that meet industry standards. As a result of this investment, the city will be able to bring the theatre up to modern security standards; install better sound, projection and lighting systems; and add an air quality system. The facility’s primary presenter, the Centre des arts la petite-église d'Edmundston, will be able to offer a variety of programming on a more regular basis.

“Thanks to this funding, the Salle Léo-Poulin will rediscover its place in our cultural life,” said Edmundston Mayor Cyrille Simard. “This space is vitally important to presenting quality professional performances and major community shows. We are very pleased with the collaboration of three levels of government on this renovation project.”

The province is providing funds through the Regional Development Corporation. The federal government is providing $300,000 in fiscal 2013-14 through the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund of the Department of Canadian Heritage. ACOA also contributed $450,000 to the project through the Innovative Communities Fund. The City of Edmundston is investing $500,000.



25-10-13