Green light given for final phase of Osprey Arts Centre renovations

Susan Hoover, general manager and artistic director of the Osprey Arts Centre, is delighted with the funding.

“Since opening in 2003, the Osprey has been a positive development for the businesses and residents of Shelburne, and these renovations will make a good thing better,” she said.

Shelburne Mayor P.G. Comeau said The Osprey is one reason why the town bucked last year’s provincial tourism trend by increasing visitation numbers.

“It’s truly an asset to the community and the county as a whole.”

Municipality of Shelburne councillor, Ardith VanBuskirk agreed, adding The Osprey offers residents an “opportunity to enjoy great art and entertainment right here in Shelburne.”

The project will help the centre host cultural activities and services that are otherwise difficult to access in rural areas like Shelburne County.

The announcement was made on Feb. 16 by Gerald Keddy, MP for South Shore-St. Margaret’s, on behalf of Peter MacKay, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) and the Honourable Beverley J. Oda, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Status of Women.

“This investment will foster a wider range of cultural programming and promotional activities allowing the Osprey Centre to become a significant economic driver and tourist attraction for the region,” said Keddy.

The Osprey Arts Centre houses both the Osprey Theatre and the Coastline Gallery. Renovations will include new state-of-the-art seating, and upgrades to the electrical system, flooring, lighting booths, and dressing rooms.

ACOA is contributing $178,214 through its Innovative Communities Fund (ICF), a five-year $175-million initiative to support economic development throughout Atlantic Canada in critical areas such as innovation, community development, training and improving the climate for business growth.

The Department of Canadian Heritage is providing support of $56,708 under the Cultural Spaces Canada Program.