Montréal, May 22, 2013 ‒ The Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal applauds the decision of the Government of Quebec to go ahead with the project to rebuild and expand the Wilder building for use by culture and the arts. This announcement confirms the government’s commitment to support the city’s cultural and artistic sphere.
“For a number of years, the Board of Trade has supported the development of the Quartier des spectacles, one of the key initiatives in the 2007-2017 Action Plan ‒ Montreal, Cultural Metropolis,” says Michel Leblanc, president and CEO of the Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal. “The realization of the Wilder building project, thanks to an investment of over $63.1 million by the Government of Quebec, is a major move. Not only are we preserving an important heritage asset, but we are also providing a new impetus that will help vitalize the western part of this area.”
The four dance organizations that will occupy the Wilder building will help finance the project in the amount of $24.7 million. To date, 50% of this amount has been raised, in particular through private sector support: “We are very pleased that the business community is mobilizing on this project,” Michel Leblanc says. “The Board of Trade has repeatedly demonstrated the cultural sector’s importance for the economy. Business support to organizations that are the creative heart of the city is essential to preserving the cultural vitality of Montréal.”
“We are delighted that the Government of Quebec is staying the course and pursuing the development of the Quartier des spectacles,” Michel Leblanc says. “This is one of the most decisive projects for the economic and cultural development of the largest city in Quebec.”
About the Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal
The Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal is made up of some 7,000 members. Its mission is to represent the interests of the business community of Greater Montréal and to provide individuals, merchants, and local businesses of all sizes with a variety of specialized services to help them achieve their full potential in terms of innovation, productivity, and competitiveness. The Board of Trade is Quebec's leading private economic development organization.
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Source:
Sylvie Paquette
Advisor, Media Relations
Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal
Tel.: 514 871-4000, ext. 4015
sylvie.paquette@ccmm.qc.ca
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