Saint Mary’s Cathedral Basilica Foundation will benefit from accessibility upgrades to help bring people back to public spaces safely

Government of Canada fueling community revitalization and creating the conditions for local economies to thrive.

The Honourable Lena Metlege Diab, Andy Fillmore, Father John Williams, Valerie Bobyk, and various board members and volunteers.

August 17, 2022 · Halifax, Nova Scotia · Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)

Canadian cities and towns flourish when they have community public spaces to promote social interaction and physical activity and provide access to recreational programs and facilities. These amenities are integral to the overall well-being of individuals, families, and communities. Our economic recovery is closely linked to the vitality of our local communities and their shared spaces.

The Honourable Lena Metlege Diab, Member of Parliament for Halifax West, and Andy Fillmore, Member of Parliament for Halifax, announced an investment of $387,200 through the Canada Community Revitalization Fund (CCRF) for the Saint Mary’s Cathedral Basilica Foundation. The announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Official Languages and Minister responsible for ACOA.

This funding will support upgrades to the Saint Mary’s Cathedral Basilica, an over 200-year-old space in downtown Halifax. Its outreach programs provide food, hot and cold beverages, and daily essentials to those in need. This funding will allow the Saint Mary’s Cathedral Basilica Foundation to install an elevator and accessible washroom so that as many people as possible can gather and benefit from these important supports.

The CCRF was launched in June 2021. The fund provides $500 million over two years toCanada’s regional development agencies (RDAs) to invest in shared and inclusive public spaces. The Government of Canada is committed to investing in shared spaces to make them safer, greener and more accessible. This will help stimulate local economies, create jobs, and improve the quality of life for Canadians.

Quotes

“Strong, vibrant communities in Nova Scotia are a critical part of a robust and inclusive economic recovery. Investing in shared spaces like Saint Mary’s Cathedral Basilica in Halifax helps revitalize local economies, strengthens community involvement, and gives residents a place to come together safely.”

- The Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Official Languages and Minister responsible for ACOA

“For centuries, Saint Mary’s Cathedral Basilica has been a place where members of our community can turn for support, connection, a warm meal, and open hearts. With the funding we are announcing today, it will be able to expand its services to the people of Halifax and Halifax West and include people of all abilities and backgrounds in its events and activities. I’m proud to support this project and I’m thankful for everyone in our city stepping up to help people in need.”

- The Honourable Lena Metlege Diab, Member of Parliament for Halifax West

“Standing tall in the heart of Halifax, Saint Mary’s Cathedral Basilica is a space for all Haligonians. The support it provides through its community outreach programs is important work that supports vulnerable folks in their times of need. I’m proud to be here today announcing funding to make this community space more accessible, so that anyone who needs help knows they can reach out to the Saint Mary’s Cathedral Basilica Foundation for a warm meal and help to get them through tough times.”

- Andy Fillmore, Member of Parliament for Halifax

”In 2020, during the pandemic, Saint Mary's Cathedral Basilica proudly but quietly celebrated its bicentennial. As we work to rejuvenate this beautiful building, we are pleased to be able to work with the Government of Canada to improve our community space so that we can continue to help as many people as possible enjoy a remarkable gathering space. This funding will help ensure the Basilica, an embodiment of the history of not only our city, but of our province and our country, is here as a gathering space for people of all faiths and a welcoming place for the next 200 years. On behalf of the Board of Directors of the Foundation, I wish to offer our thanks to both MP Lena Metlege Diab and MP Andy Fillmore for their help and sharing our vision for the future of this historic treasure and an investment in service to our community.”

- Reverend Father John Williams, Chair of the Saint Mary’s Cathedral Basilica Foundation

Quick facts

Saint Mary’s Cathedral Basilica has stood on Spring Garden Road since 1820, and in 1997 was named a National Historic Site of Canada.
The Canada Community Revitalization Fund supports two major streams of activity:
- adapting community spaces and assets so that they may be used safely in accordance with local public health guidelines,
- building or improving community spaces to encourage Canadians to re-engage in, and explore their communities and regions.
Application intake for the Canada Community Revitalization Fund is now closed. If you have a pending application, please contact your account manager for more information.
Canada’s regional development agencies are continuing to deliver targeted support for economic recovery. Application intake is open through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency for the Jobs and Growth Fund, the Aerospace Regional Recovery Initiative, and the Tourism Relief Fund.
On March 18, 2022, the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency launched Rediscover Main Streets, a $10-million initiative to support locally driven measures aimed at encouraging Atlantic Canadians and visitors to rediscover main streets and neighbourhoods across the region. This initiative complements other federal, provincial and municipal measures to help businesses and communities build back better.