The Town of Gravenhurst will receive $60, 500 in infrastructure funding to make improvements to the Gravenhurst Opera House.
The funding is under the FedNor, Canada Infrastructure Program and will cover half of the costs to complete the project.
In June 2015, the Town applied for capital works funding for future improvements to the brick façade at the Gravenhurst Opera House. Re-pointing of the brick façade had been identified as needed work on the Opera House.
“Over its lifetime the brick and concrete façade has slowly deteriorated, and is in need of substantial repair and restoration in order to
preserve the integrity of the heritage building,” said Andrew Stacey, director of infrastructure services.
The total cost to complete project is expected to be $120,000.00.
“Speaking specifically to Goal 4 of the Town’s new Strategic Plan and its focus on building cultural capital, it’s so important to not only create a vibrant hub inside but also to preserve the bricks and mortar of our cultural cornerstone and centerpiece in Historic Downtown Gravenhurst,” said Krista Storey, manager of arts & culture.
Under the funding agreement the Town is responsible for half of the improvement cost, which had been allocated in the 2016 Capital Budget.
“Our next step will be to review the scope of the work that needs to be accomplished, consult with our Heritage Committee to ensure improvements will remain consistent with the period of the building and prepare the project for tendering mid-2016,” said Storey.
