Quebec and Ottawa invest $196M in cultural infrastructure modernization across the province
The joint funding supports renovations at sites including the Théâtre Denise-Pelletier in Montréal, with each project receiving up to $2 million.
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Update — July 29, 2026: The federal government announced on Wednesday a separate $1.9-billion investment to modernize Via Rail's locomotive fleet and establish Canadian manufacturing capability, with $1.6 billion funding 45 new locomotives and $357 million building an assembly plant in Montreal. Swiss-based Stadler will manufacture the hybrid trains, with the first nine built in Spain and the remaining 36 constructed in Canada, creating an estimated 1,200 full-time jobs with first deliveries scheduled for 2031.
The governments of Canada and Quebec announced Friday a joint investment of $196 million for the modernization of cultural infrastructures across the province.
The federal government is providing $98 million through the Local Impacts Stream of the Strong Communities Fund, with Quebec contributing an equivalent amount. Federal Industry Minister Mélanie Joly estimates that at least 98 projects will receive funding under this program, with each establishment eligible for a maximum of $2 million for renovation and repairs.
The first three recipients announced are the Théâtre Denise-Pelletier in Montréal, the Musée POP in Trois-Rivières, and the Bibliothèque Germaine-Guèvremont in Laval. Each of these projects will receive $2 million in funding.
The investment is intended to help cultural venues across Quebec maintain and upgrade their facilities, ensuring these important community spaces remain viable for audiences and performers.
