Ontario invests in Massey Hall, Toronto's icon for music history and cultural performances

Ontario’s investment of $4 million in phase two of the regeneration in addition to $8 million in phase one of revitalization of Massey Hall --  the site of many historic cultural performances and experiences -- will ensure Ontarians’ continued engagement and entertainment for years to come.

“We are off to a great start! The demonstrated support we’ve felt from so many Ontario legislators has been incredible and this strategic investment accelerates the project closer to the $110 million dollars needed to complete proper restoration of this iconic cultural institution and update it to 21st century standards. On behalf of the Corporation’s Board, staff, patrons and artists, thank you for believing in us,” Deane Cameron, President and CEO, The Corporation of Massey Hall & Roy Thomson Hall, said.

“Massey Hall is the centrepiece of Toronto's music history as far as we're concerned, and for our three shows this December to become a part of that history is an absolute dream. The venue's reputation is crystal clear as we tour internationally, and we are ecstatic that the space will continue to provide these stories for years to come.”

Massey Hall, built in 1894, was designated as a heritage property under the Ontario Heritage Act by the City of Toronto in 1975.

This venue, in 1981, became a National Historic Site of Canada and about 100 cultural events had been held every year.

Eleanor McMahon, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport, said: "Massey Hall holds an unforgettable place in the history of Ontario’s arts and culture scene. This iconic venue with its unique character and prime location has hosted many of the greatest musicians of all time, and I am pleased that this investment in the revitalization of Massey Hall will help preserve its incredible history for future generations to experience and discover."

Massey Hall’s revitalization is a seven-year multi-phased project and requires its temporary closure between summer 2018 and fall 2020 for its completion but will continue to operate until then.

Massey Hall received support from Ontario Music Fund for “Live at Massey Hall,” a program in which new Canadian talent would be performed on Massey Hall’s stage for the first time.

Ontario had previously supported the renovation of the Massey Hall, including the construction of a foundation for the new south tower.

“Ontario is proud to be home to the historic Massey Hall. For more than a century, this much-loved venue has been bringing people together to see their favourite performers. Our $4 million investment will create jobs while ensuring that this important national landmark can be enjoyed for generations to come,” said Charles Sousa, Minister of Finance

This time Ontario would support the restoration of the interior and exterior of the historic venue and planning for a future tower connected to the south of the building.

This project will enable Massey Hall – which, over its 123-year history, had hosted artists from Glenn Gould to Neil Young and Bob Dylan to Justin Bieber -- to host many more iconic performances to enrich peoples' lives for many years.

(Reporting by Asha Bajaj)

Image of Massey Hall: Facebook