News Release

KINGSTON (GNB) – Carter House, a Provincial Heritage Place in Kingston, became the first recipient under the new Community Cultural Places Program at an announcement here today.

The facility received $37,500 under the program which was introduced as part of the renewed Cultural Policy, Creative Futures, and will help restore or renovate significant heritage places for re-use.

“Throughout the cultural policy consultation process, we heard from many stakeholders and individuals about how we need to cherish our heritage assets and find long-term sustainable uses for them,” said Tourism, Heritage and Culture Minister Trevor Holder. “This new program will provide groups with another source of incremental funding to help preserve and re-create some important provincial heritage assets.”

Community-based initiatives that re-purpose, restore or renovate significant heritage places to become cultural infrastructure, intertwining arts and heritage resources and providing access to those resources, are eligible for funding. Community heritage places could include halls, museums, lighthouses, deconsecrated religious buildings, other institutional buildings, streetscapes, or components of community squares and parks.

The program is intended for small communities, or communities at risk due to financial or social issues. Completed projects will provide cultural venues, enhanced community pride, identity and focus, and welcome visitors.

The renewal of the cultural policy was a government commitment made in 2010 and involved public consultations, input from a variety of cultural stakeholders and a cultural policy working group which guided the process.

An additional $3 million will be invested in cultural initiatives this year to begin the incremental investments needed to meet the objectives of the cultural policy and $300,000 will be allocated for the Community Cultural Places program in 2014-15.

“Creative Futures will guide our progress as a province as we support our culture and work together to celebrate our diversity and cultural wealth and heritage assets,” said Holder.