Montréal’s Cité des arts du cirque receives over $1.5 million in funding from CED.
MONTRÉAL, Dec. 20, 2024 – (CED)
To boost Quebec’s regional economic growth through tourism, the Honourable Soraya Martinez Ferrada, MP for Hochelaga, Minister of Tourism and Minister responsible for CED, announced a $1,622,030 non-repayable contribution to the Cité des arts du cirque. This funding will enhance La TOHU, a cultural site in Montréal’s East End, improving its appeal and visitor experience within a recreational tourism hub.
Established in the late 1990s, the Cité des arts du cirque is a contemporary circus arts cluster. It’s a key center for creativity, innovation, promotion, and employment in Montréal’s Saint-Michel neighborhood. This non-profit organization unites Montréal’s circus community, encompassing training, production, and promotion, all centered around La TOHU—Quebec’s first LEED Gold Canada certified green building and home to North America’s only circular room.
The CED funding will facilitate site improvements and new infrastructure, including a refrigerated rink. This project also supported the Week-ends aériens and the 10th International Market of Contemporary Circus in summer 2024.
The Canadian government supports businesses and organizations that contribute to community pride. Quebec’s economic growth depends on organizations with strong regional ties, vital for building a sustainable, inclusive economy.
Quotes
“La TOHU’s work is vital to our community. I’m proud to support La TOHU and its new skating rink, enhancing Montréal’s East End. This site will be a festive winter gathering place. I encourage everyone to enjoy these facilities.”
The Honourable Soraya Martinez Ferrada, MP for Hochelaga, Minister of Tourism and Minister responsible for CED
“La TOHU’s rink will bring winter fun to the Saint-Michel community. This announcement demonstrates the Canadian government’s commitment to supporting tourism in Montréal and Quebec, showcasing our best tourism experiences to residents and global visitors. This new destination perfectly exemplifies this!”
Patricia Lattanzio, MP for Saint-Léonard–Saint-Michel
“La TOHU welcomes this addition to our outdoor infrastructure. The refrigerated skating rink-theatre complements the winter leisure hub developing around Parc Frédéric-Back, offering cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and kicksledding. It provides a diverse range of outdoor winter activities in a unique urban-natural setting for visitors from Saint-Michel, Montréal, Canada, and beyond. Further projects will unfold thanks to this valuable Canadian government contribution. Stay tuned!”
Pascale Bélanger and Benoit Mathieu, Co-Executive Directors, La TOHU
Quick facts
- Funding comes from CED’s Quebec Economic Development Program, aimed at helping communities pursue promising economic development and diversification opportunities.
- In Quebec, SMEs represent 99.7% of businesses and 50% of GDP.
- CED is Quebec’s key federal partner in regional economic development. With 12 regional offices, CED supports businesses, organizations, and all regions in transitioning to tomorrow’s economy.
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SOURCE Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions