CEDC Tourism Development Fund Provides $150,000 To Magnus Theatre – The Next Stage
October 13, 2022 – The Thunder Bay Community Economic Development Commission (CEDC) and Tourism Thunder Bay are pleased to provide $150,000 in funding support to Magnus Theatre – The Next Stage through the CEDC Tourism Development Fund.
The Next Stage is a major infrastructure project for Magnus Theatre to restore, upgrade, and expand the facility to meet the community’s needs and maximize on the Theatre’s impact as a cultural and economic force. The project will see the addition of a 125-seat Studio Theatre, expansion of the Production Shop, renovations to the Lounge, and general building improvements.
Applicants of the Tourism Development Fund are encouraged to leverage partnerships and other financial resources in order to maximize the growth of Thunder Bay’s tourism economy. This project is also funded [in part] by the Government of Canada, proudly supported by FedNor, the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation, the Trillium Community Building Fund and the Trillium Resilient Communities Fund.
“Magnus Theatre has been a pillar of arts and culture in Thunder Bay for over fifty years, and we’re excited to enter this Next Stage of growth with the support of the CEDC and the provincial and federal governments,” says Thom Currie, Artistic Director for Magnus Theatre. “The addition of the Studio Theatre and expansion of the Production Shop will open our spaces up for more community use and increase our economic impact to the City of Thunder Bay to over $3.5 million dollars. We’re thrilled the CEDC has chosen to invest in this project and know that it will serve the citizens of Thunder Bay and draw tourists from across the continent for our next half-century of operations.”
The CEDC Tourism Development Fund provides financial support to projects and events with the capacity to attract more visitors to Thunder Bay, increase visitor spending, and generate room nights at local accommodations. The fund is supported by tax revenues collected quarterly on short-term stays at local hotels, motels, and other accommodation providers at the rate of 4%. The CEDC and Tourism Thunder Bay administer 50% of the total collected tax revenues in support of the continued growth of tourism focused events and products.
“Magnus Theatre is an important, vibrant and successful cultural attraction that contributes to our community’s fabric.” states Tourism Thunder Bay Manager, Paul Pepe. “It offers visitors a unique experience that extends their stay and economic contribution while here. Theatre guests often extend their stay to include culinary and accommodation elements. We’re proud to support Magnus’s capital expansion project that will enable them to expand programming and offer enhanced opportunities for residents and visitors alike well into the future.”
Visit www.visitthunderbay.com/tourismdevelopmentfund for more information about the program.