Iqaluit – Community spaces are an important place for people to come together, experience new things, and gather with their friends, families and neighbours. In Iqaluit, the city’s Franco-Centre has for decades operated a multi-use venue for francophones, Inuit and the general public to participate in a wide variety of cultural and local events that enrich life in the community.
Dan Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs, PrairiesCan and CanNor, announced an investment of $350,000 supporting the renovation of Iqaluit’s Franco-Centre. Along with support from the Association des francophones du Nunavut (AFN) and the Government of Nunavut, this represents a total investment of $550,000.
The Franco-Centre has been an important part of Iqaluit’s cultural landscape for more than 30 years. Originally a U.S. Army barracks dating from the 1940s, under the guidance of the AFN it was repurposed and now hosts over 200 community activities annually and is also home to the city’s only French-language radio station and newspaper.
Due to the age of the building, the centre required significant renovations to make it more energy efficient and to improve safety for visitors. Additional space was also created for a new entryway, as well as two new office spaces that will allow the AFN to accommodate new employees. These renovations modernize a historic building in Iqaluit and enable it to fully realize its purpose as a cultural hub for the community. The improved facility will attract more local artists, cultural groups, and professional performers from outside Nunavut.
“Iqaluit’s Franco-Centre plays an important role in the community, hosting concerts, theatre, meetings and other activities for decades. By funding the renovations of the centre, our government is helping support both local francophones and the broader community by improving a vital cultural space in the city.” – Dan Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs, PrairiesCan and CanNor