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> >> Trends TOHU the Cit� des arts du cirque The launch last June of the activities of TOHU � the first permanent stage in Canada designed specifically for the presentation of circus shows and acts � marked the successful conclusion of much more than a cultural project. Indeed, this was a multifaceted enterprise that has already had a considerable impact on the environment in which it was established � the Saint-Michel district. Meeting a growing demand �There was a real infatuation with the circus here, but the demand far exceeded the supply because there was a shortage of circus infrastructures,� recalls Charles-Mathieu Brunelle, executive vice-president and general manager of TOHU. �So we needed to create a dynamic favourable to the promotion of the circus through high-quality infrastructures.� TOHU, the new Cité des arts du cirque and the not-for-profit organization behind it, was created in 1999. But much remained to be done: the rehabilitation of the Saint-Michel Environmental Complex, once the second largest urban waste disposal site in North America; the development of infrastructures, the expansion of the Cirque du Soleil�s international headquarters; the construction of various facilities, including an artists� residence, and a circular stage with variable geometry. In all, the project required investments of $73 million, financed by the Quebec government, the city of Montreal, the Cirque du Soleil, and private sources. A social mission TOHU�s management insists that local residents must be the first to benefit from this new hub of activity. �We want to ensure that our host community benefits as much as possible from the spin-offs from our presence,� affirms Brunelle. �For example, all the members of our reception staff come exclusively from the Saint-Michel district.� Within the organization, there is also a clear commitment to the social economy. �Whenever possible, we give contracts to social economy companies,� he adds. �That�s why the Cit� des arts du cirque gave Productions Jeune'est, a not-for-profit organization, the mandate to train TOHU�s stage technicians. Maintenance of the 300,000 square foot site is handled by Coop�ratout, another social economy company.� TOHU is also well-disposed toward young people. �Our approach is based on inclusion and social reinsertion,� explains Brunelle. �We work closely with social workers in the Saint-Michel district to help young people in difficulty, especially school drop-outs, launch a career with us.� Private partners The Quebec City company, which believes its involvement in TOHU will also give it more visibility in Greater Montreal, fully supports the objectives of the organization. �We are convinced this project can inject new life into a disadvantaged neighbourhood like Saint-Michel. We believe in it, partly, because, in Quebec City, we saw the enormously successful revitalization of the Saint-Roch district, which was also based on cultural initiatives.� Sustainable, high-quality development But, above all, TOHU believes the project has contributed significantly to the identity and self-esteem of residents of the Saint-Michel district. �There�s a sense of optimism here now,� concludes Brunelle. �It�s the sign of sustainable, high-quality development to come.�
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