Harper Government Invests in Halton Hills Cultural Centre

HALTON HILLS, Ontario, March 1, 2013 - The Honourable Michael Chong, Member of Parliament (Wellington—Halton Hills), on behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, today announced an investment from the Government of Canada for upgrades to the Halton Hills Cultural Centre to support Canadian arts and culture.

This investment has contributed to the renovation of the new Helson Gallery, a professional public art gallery which is part of the Town of Halton Hills’ expanded Cultural Centre. The Helson Gallery maintains a significant and valuable Canadian art collection that will now be available for public viewing for the first time. 

“I am delighted to celebrate with you the official opening of the Helson Gallery and the formal unveiling of its collection of Canadian art,” said Mr. Chong. “Residents and visitors to Halton Hills will be able to enjoy the use of this beautiful gallery and cultural centre for years to come.”

“Our Government is proud to support the Town of Halton Hills in their efforts to make unique and valuable Canadian art easily accessible to the community and its visitors,” said Minister Moore. “By investing in local cultural and infrastructure projects like these, our Government is supporting the local economy and providing opportunities for people to connect in their communities though arts, culture and heritage.”

“What great news as we officially open the Helson Gallery to the public,” said Rick Bonnette, Mayor of Halton Hills. “The support of the Government of Canada is invaluable as we unveil an amazing art collection of Canadian significance.”

The Government of Canada has provided total funding of $350,000 through the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund of the Department of Canadian Heritage. The Canada Cultural Spaces Fund seeks to improve physical conditions for artistic creativity and arts presentation or exhibition. It is also designed to increase access for Canadians to performing, visual, and media arts, and to museum collections and heritage displays.

For more information (media only), please contact:

Sébastien Gariépy
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage
and Official Languages
819-997-7788

Jillian Lum
Manager of Regional Communications
Ontario Region
Canadian Heritage
416-973-2050
Jillian.lum@pch.gc.ca

Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155
media@pch.gc.ca