On Wednesday, April 8, at the Royal Ontario Museum, the Minister of Culture, Hon. Aileen Carroll, announced details of increased funding for the government's cultural attractions, part of the provincial budget of March 26, 2009. The Ontario Government is raising the ROM's annual operating support by $9-million, from $18.8-million to $27.8-million. This increase of almost 50 per cent addresses all of the ROM's operating and cash requirements in the new business plan, and allows the museum to continue its full operations.
This is the first time since 1993 that the ROM's operating grant has been permanently increased. ROM Director and CEO, William Thorsell, said, "It is particularly gratifying the Provincial government recognizes the importance of culture, and the ROM, to the continued prosperity and quality of life in Ontario. We thank them for their enhanced support."