Calgary's National Music Centre could get $22M boost

A Calgary city council committee approved a $22-million injection Wednesday towards the National Music Centre in the East Village.

The committee approved the cash for the new centre, which is slated to house a live music venue, recording studios, and a collection of instruments and memorabilia.

The city has already contributed $3 million towards the project.

National Music Centre president Andrew Mosker said he’s pleased with the committee’s decision, adding the new building will be a cornerstone for the East Village.

"Calgary's more than ready for a building like this," Mosker said. "The city itself has really sold itself as an international city. We're attracting people from across the world that want to come and live here."

Looking for private donations

The five-storey music centre is slated for the northeast corner of Ninth Avenue and Fourth Street S.E. and it will cover 80,000 square feet.

It will incorporate the former King Edward Hotel building. The centre’s total budget is $132 million.

Mosker said now organizers will shift their attention to raising $57 million in private donations.

Alderman Druh Farrell said she expects once the money is approved by city council, more donors will come forward.

"Often private donors want to see government come to the table first," she said.

"Putting forward the money first will I believe have a domino effect."

The federal and provincial government have already committed to contributing $25 million each.

Organizers hope to start construction on the first phase of the centre this fall and have it completed by 2015.