2009 Cultural Capitals of Canada

• Trois-Rivières, Quebec
• Coquitlam, British Columbia
• Whistler, British Columbia
• Fredericton, New Brunswick
• Caraquet, New Brunswick
• Candidate Communities for Cultural Capitals of Canada 2009

Trois-Rivières, Quebec

Category: population over 125 000 – Maximum contribution: $2,000,000

On the occasion of its 375th anniversary, Trois-Rivières is planning an ambitious program that includes a number of celebrations and cultural activities. In line with the City's cultural policy, the project, " Trois-Rivières, ville d'histoire et de culture: 1634–2009" (Trois-Rivières, City of History and Culture, 1634–2009), recognizes the role that culture plays in affirming identity and in the quality of life of citizens, as well as in the economic development of this municipality. The project also confirms that access to culture is a basic right of the city's residents. The proposed programming will foster increased resident participation through activities such as neighbourhood celebrations, a commemorative performance, and the Accès scène et musée (Access to Stage and Museum) project, which will involve a host of professional and emerging artists. The project will also build partnerships with target groups, such as First Nations and cultural communities, in keeping with the municipality's aim of promoting cultural inclusiveness.

Coquitlam, British Columbia

Category: population between 50 000 and 125 000 – Maximum contribution: $750,000

Maintaining a long tradition of cooperation with cultural organizations, the City of Coquitlam proposed a project developed through significant community participation. The City has developed close ties with arts and cultural organizations and has distinguished itself by the support and recognition that it gives to its Francophone heritage and its diverse cultural communities. The Intercultural Celebrations: Past, Present and Future project builds on public consultations and a partnership with the local First Nation. This project is a perfect example of the role that a municipality can play in stimulating cultural development and a sense of belonging among all its residents.

Coquitlam recognizes the important contribution of culture to community identity, quality of life, and economic development. Its cultural strategy supports community cultural groups, while integrating culture into municipal planning and community, economic and tourism development. As a Cultural Capital, Coquitlam will work towards achieving its goals of furthering the development of a vibrant culture within its community, of strengthening its partnerships with cultural groups, and of reaffirming its role as a centre of cultural activity.

Whistler, British Columbia

Category: population under 50 000 – Maximum contribution: $500,000

Whistler is planning a project that shows its commitment to culture and supports a wide range of arts and cultural activities. While involving First Nations, the Francophone community, and young residents, the project will also encourage professional artists, budding creators, and members of the public to participate in the scheduled celebrations, workshops, and activities.

Both ambitious and original, its project, Celebration 2020: A Natural Step Towards Cultural Sustainability, benefits from the staunch support of many parties. It is also important to highlight the integration of ecology and the environment in the project, as well as the use of non-traditional sites to hold festivals. By integrating a number of activities already in place, Whistler is providing a legacy that will benefit the community by encouraging development of the arts and culture, intercultural awareness, participation of artists with disabilities, establishment of lasting ties, and growth in tourism.

Fredericton, New Brunswick

Category: population under 50 000 – Maximum contribution: $500,000

Fredericton 's cultural policy highlights the city's three founding cultures and recognizes the role played by culture in affirming community identity, social cohesion, and economic development. In line with this policy, Fredericton is planning a wide variety of programming with no fewer than 16 different activities. Its project, Exposing Our Culture, makes use of the community's historical features and artistic traditions and calls for the participation of various cultural partners. The public art and artists-in-residence programs and the celebratory activities will promote a greater presence for art in public areas and increased participation of residents. The proposal focuses particularly on youth, First Nations, and Francophones.

Fredericton 's project will create a lasting legacy by fostering the community's cultural growth and involving cultural groups. It will also encourage the participation of Francophones and First Nations people in order to promote dynamic exchanges.

Caraquet, New Brunswick

Category: population under 50 000 – Maximum contribution: $500,000

The Town of Caraquet's proposal is ambitious and proposes activities to attract a large audience drawn from many of the communities on the Acadian Peninsula. While stressing its Acadian heritage, Caraquet will support various forms of art, including poetry, performing and visual arts, film, and theatre. Its project, "Caraquet, ville lumière 2009" (Caraquet, 2009 City of Light), demonstrates an impressive commitment to culture and growing financial support for the arts and cultural sector–support far above the per-resident average for communities in this category.

Caraquet has made great efforts to develop and implement policies that link economic growth and cultural tourism. These projects are a source of pride for the community and contribute to its vitality. This is the second time that Caraquet has been designated a Cultural Capital; the first was in 2003.

Candidate Communities for Cultural Capitals of Canada 2009

Over 125 000 population

• Kitchener , Ontario
• Trois-Rivières, Quebec

50 000 to 125 000 population

• Coquitlam, British Columbia
• Guelph, Ontario
• Lethbridge, Alberta
• Red Deer, Alberta
• Saint-Jean-Sur-Richelieu, Quebec

Under 50 000 population

• Caraquet, New Brunswick
• Fredericton, New Brunswick
• Victoria County, Nova Scotia
• Whistler, British Columbia