From Budget 2013, tabled Thursday by Finance Minister Jim Flaherty:
Massey Hall Revitalization
Economic Action Plan 2013 proposes funding of $8 million in 2013-14 to help support the restoration and revitalization of Massey Hall.
Massey Hall, which was opened in 1894, has played a unique role in Canada’s cultural history and is an important venue for concerts and other events, attracting many of the world’s leading performers. Economic Action Plan 2013 proposes funding of $8 million in 2013-14 to help support the restoration and revitalization of Massey Hall. A revitalized Massey Hall will provide a modern venue to support Canada’s current and future artists.
Some, like my colleague John Robson, may not be so impressed with this federal largesse but the place was designated a National Historic Site in 1981. If we’re committed, as a country, to maintaining our built heritage, it means we, as a country, have to commit some money to that idea.
CBC reports that the place actually needs $30 million worth of renovations for the first-ever loading dock in the facility’s 119-year-old history and a replacement of its foundation. Most of the rest of the fix-up money will come from private sector donations and fundraising.