Organizers planning to redevelop the festival grounds for Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan (SOTS) received a boost from government funding on Wednesday.
More than $3 million was announced to help construct a new amphitheatre base for the stage and other enhanced infrastructure.
The planned redevelopment at the riverbank site in Saskatoon will enable SOTS to extend summer programming, according to federal officials.
“Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan festival is a perfect example of a community working to celebrate and showcase our Canadian artists,” Canada’s Natural Resources Minister Amarjeet Sohi said.
“The redevelopment of the festival site will be a cultural and economic benefit to the city of Saskatoon, to the talented members of its artistic community and to those who appreciate the value of the arts.”
WATCH: (May 24, 2019) Big plans for Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan
SOTS officials said the investments from the federal and provincial governments have ensured they can complete construction at 948 Spadina Cres. E. this winter and open the newly redeveloped park in time for the 36th theatrical season in 2020.
In late 2017, SOTS launched the Staging the Future campaign with a goal of raising $3.5 million to complete the site redevelopment. On Aug. 10, it was announced that $3.2 million in private donations had been raised through the campaign.
The total budget for the project is over $6 million, according to SOTS.