Ottawa’s Shaw Centre is among the Canadian facilities that will benefit from the Ontario government’s plans to invest up to $26 million towards upgrading the province’s culture and tourism attractions.

Lisa MacLeod, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport, announced the funding at the Shaw Centre on August 26, 2019. The initiative aims to provide culture and tourism organizations to move forward on key capital projects.

“These icons contribute significantly to our economy and this investment will give them the support they need to shine and deliver the excellent visitor experiences they are known for,” said Minister MacLeod.

For the Shaw Centre, the investments will drive repairs and replacements of roofs, windows, parking lots, and septic systems. It will also support the installation of a wheelchair ramp that will boost accessibility for all guest speakers and clients who use its stage.

“The ministry’s ongoing support through capital investment will continue to allow the Shaw Centre to compete on an international stage and position Ottawa and the Centre as the destination of choice for major events and conventions,” said Nina Kressler, president and chief executive officer with the Centre. “The economic benefit of such events stretches well beyond our walls and into the communities that surround us and across the province of Ontario.”

According to the Ontario government, the province’s culture and tourism sectors generate over $59 billion of economic activity a year and support more than half a million jobs. This investment is meant to give stakeholders within these communities the resources to continue attracting visitors from around the globe.