A new arts centre for Hearst is expected to create job and other spinoff benefits in the local hospitality sector.
The Conseil des arts de Hearst is buying a Knights of Columbus hall with plans to refurbish and expand it into a multi-purpose arts and community centre. The facility will be retrofitted to accommodate conferences as well as host a variety of performing arts events.
The province is contributing $1.5 million to the project which will include making improvements on sound quality and seating. The community also plans to host art shows that regularly draw 2,000 attendees per year.
The event centre will create two full-time administrative jobs.
"The prominence of the French Canadian culture in and around Hearst creates unparalleled opportunities for cultural and artistic events that have unique drawing power, and whose economic benefits ripple throughout the community," said Northern Development and Mines Minister Michael Gravelle in an April 15 statement.
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