TELUS World of Science - Edmonton receives federal funding for important upgrades and renovations
EDMONTON, May 25, 2017 /CNW/ - The Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities and Member of Parliament (Edmonton Mill Woods), and Randy Boissonnault, Member of Parliament (Edmonton Centre), today announced $3.35 million in funding for the Edmonton Space and Science Foundation. This investment will support infrastructure upgrades and facility expansion activities for TELUS World of Science – Edmonton. Minister Sohi and Mr. Boissonnault made this announcement on behalf of the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage.
This support, provided by the Government of Canada through the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund, will allow the organization to expand, upgrade and modernize an existing theatre and gallery with new technology, heating and cooling systems, accessibility features and specialized equipment.
Quotes
"Our government recognizes the importance of strengthening cultural and recreational infrastructure across Canada. As part of Budget 2017, we have more than doubled support to the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund, with $300 million over the next 10 years. Today's investment in the Edmonton Space and Science Foundation demonstrates our ongoing commitment to developing and improving access to cultural institutions for all Canadians."
—The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage
"Investments in cultural infrastructure contribute to building strong and inclusive communities, where children can learn and play. I am delighted that TELUS World of Science – Edmonton will now be able to improve and expand its facility as a result of this funding, and I look forward to seeing these new spaces come to life."
—The Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities and Member of Parliament (Edmonton Mill Woods)
"When it comes to investing in cultural infrastructure in Edmonton, the Government of Canada has it down to a science. For over 30 years, TELUS World of Science – Edmonton has been a hub for education and creativity, inspiring and engaging visitors of all ages in art, math, science and technology. This funding will not only ensure a continued positive culture of learning, but also create a legacy of quality infrastructure investment in our capital city, of which we can all be proud."
—Randy Boissonnault, Member of Parliament (Edmonton Centre)
"We are thrilled to receive this support from the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund. TELUS World of Science – Edmonton is an iconic facility in the city that has helped educate and entertain millions of Edmontonians. This funding will go directly to our Aurora Project, a $40-million expansion and renovation of our Science Centre. This really is the beginning of a build that will inspire generations. The funding will support our renovation of the Margaret Zeidler Star Theatre and Space Gallery. We are thankful that the Government of Canada values the contribution science and technology offer to the community."
—Alan Nursall, President and CEO, TELUS World of Science - Edmonton
Quick Facts
TELUS World of Science – Edmonton, established in 1984, is operated by the Edmonton Space and Science Foundation, a non-profit organization. The facility, located at Coronation Park in Edmonton, comprises 14,000 square feet of exhibition space, 5 permanent themed galleries, a presentation theatre, an IMAX theatre, an observatory and a robotics laboratory.
Funding will support the renovation of the Margaret Zeidler Star Theatre, the largest planetarium in Canada. Improvements will include construction of a new entranceway, seat replacement, upgrades to electrical and HVAC systems, installation of an elevator, and the purchase of a new screen, projection system, sound baffling and stage lighting.
Funding will also support upgrades to the Space Gallery, which will see the space enlarged by 600 square feet, with new lighting and HVAC systems, refreshed exhibition design and layouts, and new information technology and projection equipment.
These enhancements are part of a broader initiative by TELUS World of Science – Edmonton known as the Aurora Project, an overall 20,000-square-foot expansion that will nearly triple the existing footprint of the facility once complete.
The Canada Cultural Spaces Fund supports the improvement of physical conditions for artistic creativity and innovation, as well as the improvement, renovation and construction of arts and heritage facilities, and the acquisition of specialized equipment.
Associated Links
Canada Cultural Spaces Fund http://canada.pch.gc.ca/eng/1455203896312/1455204007503
TELUS World of Science – Edmonton (English only) http://telusworldofscienceedmonton.com/
Aurora Project (English only) http://aurora.twose.ca/
SOURCE Canadian Heritage
For more information (media only), please contact: Pierre-Olivier Herbert, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage, 819-997-7788; Media Relations, Canadian Heritage, 819-994-9101, 1-866-569-6155, [email protected]
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