Ontario investing $30 million into Massey Hall Revitalization project

Dec 10 2018, 11:25 pm

The provincial government is investing $30 million into the Massey Hall Revitalization project.

James Maloney, Member of Parliament for Etobicoke-Lakeshore, and Minister of Infrastructure Monte McNaughton and Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport Michael Tibollo announced Ontario’s investment for Phase 2 of the project, which has been matched by the Government of Canada.

“Our government’s investment will enable the historic Massey Hall to continue promoting the arts and inspiring future generations of Canadian artists,” said MP Maloney, on behalf of the federal Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, in a statement.

“Cultural spaces like Massey Hall celebrate diversity, support vibrant and inclusive communities, and create more jobs.”

Massey Hall is known for its legendary performances by The Tragically Hip, Blue Rodeo and Gordon Lightfoot.

Minister Tibollo said that people travel from all over the world to experience a concert at the downtown Toronto venue.

“The renewal of Massey Hall will not only preserve the incredible history of the venue, it will also help Ontario’s up-and-coming artists and performers by creating a new performance space with a 500-person capacity to help develop their skills,” said Minister Tibollo. “The expanded concert calendar will also significantly benefit Ontario’s culture and tourism sectors.”

In February 2017, Massey Hall received over $8 million in federal funding for its revitalization project, phase 1 of the project was completed in 2017.

The Hall opened in 1894, and has since been internationally famous as Canada’s most important venue for concerts and lectures. It’s currently operated by the Corporation of Massey Hall and Roy Thomson Hall, and its last major renovation took place in 1948.

Massey Hall, which closed in July for construction, will see a full restoration of the exterior and interior of the building, including 100 original stained-glass windows. As well, a new seven-storey tower addition will feature a live-music stage and performance studio.

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