Kevin Sorenson, Member of Parliament for Crowfoot, on behalf of the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification, announced Government of Canada support to help the Bailey Theatre Society strengthen economic opportunities in Camrose.

“Our Government, through the Community Adjustment Fund, is providing timely, targeted stimulus to communities like Camrose, helping reduce the impacts of the global recession,” said MP Sorenson. “We’re making investments in key facilities such as the Bailey Theatre that will help create jobs, attract visitors and support economic growth in the community.”

The Bailey Theatre Society will utilize this investment to further bolster the final phase of the restoration of the Bailey Theatre, a municipal historic site. These renovations include the hiring of several local labourers to help upgrade the main theatre building as well as the construction of a building annex that includes a loading dock and freight elevator. Once completed, the Bailey Theatre will be a multi-use facility that provides performing arts and community event space for Camrose and surrounding areas. Furthermore, as a considerable tourist attraction, this building will become a primary venue for a variety of events ranging from: local rehearsals and performances, dinner theatres, weddings and other community events, all of which will help to stimulate the local economy.

"Supporting strong, vibrant communities is a priority for the Government of Alberta," said Verlyn Olson, MLA for Wetaskiwin-Camrose. "That is why I am so pleased our government can support the restoration of this historic site that will bring families together through arts and culture."

Federal funding of $2,220,250 is being provided through the Community Adjustment Fund (CAF) as part of Canada’s Economic Action Plan. The Government of Alberta is providing $250,000 through the Municipal Sustainability Initiative (MSI) and $45,000 through the Alberta Main Street Program for the final phase of restoration. The total restoration cost for the final phase is expected to be $4,440,500, which includes significant funding support from private donors.

“The Bailey Theatre restoration builds upon our community’s heritage to strengthen Downtown Camrose for the future," said Clarence Mastel, Mayor of the City of Camrose. "Cultural and entertainment opportunities from the Bailey help achieve City Council’s vision of a dynamic regional community with exceptional quality of life.”

“We are finally in a position to complete the restoration of the theatre in time to celebrate its 100th birthday,” said Dan Olofson, President of the Bailey Theatre Society. “We wish to thank all levels of governments involved for their financial support.”

A part of Canada’s Economic Action Plan, the Community Adjustment Fund (CAF) is a two-year, $1 billion national program that will provide an economic stimulus by supporting projects that create jobs and maintain employment in rural communities.

The fund will provide $306 million over two years to support the most affected western Canadian communities, such as those that are heavily reliant on resource-based industries, for instance forestry, mining, agriculture and fisheries, and communities that depend on the manufacturing industry. Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD) is delivering the fund in the four western provinces.

Visit the Community Adjustment Fund (CAF) in the West or Canada’s Economic Action Plan for more information.

For additional information, contact:

Donna Kinley
Regional Manager, Communications
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Edmonton, Alberta
Tel: (780) 495-6892
Cell: (780) 991-7432

Alison Gurnham
Communications
Alberta Municipal Affairs
Edmonton, Alberta
Tel: (780) 427-8862
 
Beryl Cullum
Communications
Alberta Culture and Community Spirit
Edmonton, Alberta
Tel: (780) 427-6530

Clarence Mastel
Mayor
City of Camrose
Camrose, Alberta
Tel: (780) 672-4426

Robert Earley
Operations Manager
Bailey Theatre Society
Camrose, Alberta
Tel: (780) 672-5510