Shelburne, Nova Scotia—February 16, 2007   The final phase of renovations at Osprey Arts Centre will provide Shelburne County with a “state-of-the arts” performance venue and art gallery, thanks to an investment of more than $234,000 made by Canada’s New Government.

The project will help the centre host cultural activities and services that are otherwise difficult to access in rural areas, like Shelburne County. Canada’s New Government today announced a total investment of $234,922 for the renovations. The announcement was made by Gerald Keddy, MP for South Shore-St. Margaret’s, on behalf of the Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) and the Honourable Beverley J. Oda, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Status of Women.

“Canada’s New Government is working with its partners to get things done for the people of Shelburne,” said MP Keddy.  “This investment will foster a wider range of cultural programming and promotional activities allowing the Osprey Centre to become a significant economic driver and tourist attraction for the region.”

The Osprey Arts Centre houses both the Osprey Theatre and the Coastline Gallery.  Renovations will include additional seating, and upgrades to the electrical system, flooring, lighting booths, and dressing rooms.

Susan Hoover, General Manager and Artistic Director of Osprey Arts Centre, commented “Since opening in 2003, the Osprey has been a positive development for the businesses and residents of Shelburne, and these renovations will make a good thing better.”

ACOA is contributing $178,214 through its Innovative Communities Fund (ICF), a five-year $175-million initiative to support economic development throughout Atlantic Canada in critical areas such as innovation, community development, training and improving the climate for business growth.

The Department of Canadian Heritage is providing support of $56,708 under the Cultural Spaces Canada Program. 
FOR BROADCAST USE:

The final phase of renovations at Osprey Arts Centre will provide Shelburne County with a “state-of-the arts” performance venue and art gallery. Canada’s New Government today announced support totalling $234, 922 for the project. Renovations will include additional seating, and upgrades to the electrical system, flooring, lighting booths, and dressing rooms.
South Shore-St. Margaret’s MP Gerald Keddy announced the funding on behalf of the ACOA Minister Peter MacKay, and the Heritage Minister Beverley J. Oda.

--30--

For more information contact:

David Harrigan
Media Relations
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (Nova Scotia)
902-426-4238

Claudine Daigle
Director of Communications
Canadian Heritage, Atlantic Region
506-851-3980

Susan Hoover
General Manager and Artistic Director
Osprey Arts Centre
902-875-2359