Concert hall backers call for $500,000 advance
The Ottawa Chamber Music Society is asking the city for an advance on the money already pledged towards the building of a $27-million concert hall on Elgin Street.
They need $500,000 immediately to pay for engineering plans needed by the developer before construction begins this fall.
"We do have to move on the project," said Coun. Alex Cullen.
The 925-seat hall would be part of a retail and residential complex to be constructed by Toronto's Morguard Corp. across the street from the courthouse.
Cullen, who sits on the city's economic development committee, is confident the committee will meet the request at Tuesday's meeting.
However, at least one member of the city committee has expressed concern.
Coun. Peter Hume told the Ottawa Citizen the request puts the committee in a difficult position because full funding has not been secured by the federal government and there's no guarantee the project will go ahead.
The project is still short $14 million, half of the projected cost.
The city and province pledged more than $6 million each. The federal government has been asked to contribute the same amount, but has not yet announced whether it will support the project.
- FROM MARCH 15, 2006: Proposed concert hall struggles to gain support