PEI

Confederation Centre of the Arts gets $2 million from Ottawa

The Confederation Centre of the Arts is getting almost $2 million in upgrades from the federal government. The centre — home of Anne of Green Gables, The Musical — will use the money to purchase a state-of-the-art orchestra lift and stage lift.

Money will be used to complete renovations to Homburg Theatre

The Confederation Centre of the Arts in Charlottetown has been home to the Anne of Green Gables musical for more than 50 years. (CBC)

The Confederation Centre of the Arts in Charlottetown is getting almost $2 million in upgrades from the federal government.

The centre — home of Anne of Green Gables, The Musical — will use the money to purchase a state-of-the-art orchestra lift and stage lift.

More than $1 million will come from the Department of Canadian Heritage, and more than $800,000 from ACOA.

"Confederation Centre has played a vital role in our local economy for more than 50 years," said Charlottetown MP Sean Casey. "I am grateful to the many partners, governmental and private, who understand the immense value of this national arts institution."

Confederation Centre CEO Jessie Inman and officials announce funding for a new orchestra lift and stage left Friday. (Krystalle Ramlakhan/CBC)

Some of the theatre equipment is as old as the building itself and needed to be replaced, said Confederation Centre CEO Jessie Inman.

"This marks the final stage in a successful multi-year revitalization of the Homburg Theatre and ensures that our flagship facility is now state-of-the-art with the most sophisticated sound, lighting, and technical equipment available to our patrons, artists and staff," she said.

The new orchestra lift and stage lift are expected to be ready by next April.