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The New MIFO building

Building a new facility
Façade du Nouveau MIFO

The MIFO Cultural Centre, inaugurated in 1985, has served the Orléans and Eastern Ontario community well for 40 years. Thanks to the support of the committed individuals and organizations who built it and continued to help it grow, MIFO has experienced exponential growth.

Today, MIFO finds itself constrained in a building that has reached the end of its useful life. Its current spaces can no longer support the organization’s development or the implementation of programs tailored to today's needs.

MIFO is therefore preparing to build a new facility to continue serving the population, especially Francophones, francophiles, bilingual people, and exogamous families, while ensuring service delivery that reflects the diverse realities of the community it serves — all within modern, accessible, inclusive, and versatile spaces.

Latest Project Updates!

Demolition Phase – Summer 2025
Demolition work will begin on July 8, 2025, and continue until mid-August 2025. The following steps are planned:

  • Structure demolition: approximately 2 weeks
  • Foundation removal: approximately 1 week
  • Removal of asphalt, sidewalks, and other exterior features: approximately 1 week

During this period, daytime noise disturbances are to be expected, caused by the use of excavators, hydraulic hammers, pulverizers, and other specialized equipment.

We thank you for your understanding and cooperation throughout this construction project. Further updates will be shared as work progresses.

See our FAQ for more details
The New Building at a Glance
The new MIFO will have three floors and will be built on the site of the current facility. It will include, among other features:
  • A gymnasium for sports and recreational activities, with well-equipped locker rooms.
  • A multipurpose hall for performances, receptions, film screenings, dances, and more.
  • A soundproof studio for yoga classes, artist residencies, and other activities.
  • Three multipurpose rooms and four meeting rooms for classes, social events, and various workshops.
  • An art gallery to showcase professional and semi-professional local artists.
  • A music school to continue offering individual lessons in French.
  • A café space where the community can gather and connect.
  • A welcoming lobby and a garden for community gatherings.
  • MIFO’s administrative offices.

Timeline

November 2019
Launch of the fundraising campaign
May 2024
Announcement of $36 million in federal funding
June 2024
The City of Ottawa confirms total funding of $1.5 million for the project
March 2025
Last activities at the Cultural Centre
June 2025
The Government of Ontario announces funding of $15.75 million
Summer 2025
Start of construction
Summer-Fall 2027
Opening of the New MIFO
On the Road to 2027
The Vision for the New MIFO
  • A total area of 55,757 sq. ft., nearly four times larger than the current building.
  • Accessible, inclusive, and versatile spaces.
  • A welcoming, safe, and carbon-neutral building design.
  • An increase in the number of classes, activities, events, and workshops — sports, cultural, recreational, and educational — for all age groups.
  • A vibrant atmosphere that encourages intergenerational connection.
  • A gathering place for everyone.

This project is made possible through collaboration with:

Beaudoin Canada
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Logo de CIMA+

Thanks to our funders for their support of this project!

Gouvernement du Canada
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MIFO would also like to thank:

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Logo de l'ACFO Ottawa