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By rdnewsNOW Staff

$199,824

Town of Olds to create community arts hub through federal grant

Mar 25, 2025 | 11:13 AM

The Town of Olds has been awarded $199,824 through the federal government’s Green and Inclusive Community Buildings program to renovate its former Operations Shop into a community arts hub, according to the Department of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities.

On March 22, Nathaniel Erskine-Smith, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities, announced an investment of $153.8 million by the Government of Canada to support 70 projects through the program.

In Olds, the funding will help the town renovate the interior of the old shop to ensure it’s safe, accessible and functional as a community building, while improving its energy efficiency and lowering its carbon emissions.

Once renovations are complete, it’s set to become a community arts hub, a space for local artists to gather, create and share their talents.

The space would also be open to community members to engage in art, appreciate art or participate in other cultural activities.

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The Green and Inclusive Community Buildings program is meant to help create energy efficient, climate resilient and accessible community spaces that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and support the transition to net-zero building standards.

“Canada is committed to reducing emissions, enhancing energy efficiency, and building resilient spaces that benefit all Canadians,” said Erskine-Smith.

Through the funding, the government hopes community hubs, recreation centres and cultural spaces will become more vibrant, fostering social connections and a sense of belonging.

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