SURREY, BC, July 27, 2017 /CNW/ - Investing in cultural infrastructure helps Canada preserve the experiences of its people and places, and inspires visitors to explore and understand the world around them. The Government of Canada and the City of Surrey recognize that strategic investments in public infrastructure—including funding for cultural projects—play a key role in supporting dynamic communities while creating good jobs that help grow the middle class.
Today, John Aldag, Member of Parliament for Cloverdale—Langley City, on behalf of the Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, and Her Worship Linda Hepner, Mayor of Surrey, announced funding of over $15.7 million for upgrades to the Surrey Museum.
This project consists of additions to the Museum's main building and surrounding campus grounds. The Kids Explore Zone will be tripled in size and an Indigenous Hall completed through collaboration with Surrey's Indigenous communities. A feature gallery for national and international exhibitions that can also be used for community exhibits and celebrations will be constructed, as well as a welcoming foyer for special events and evening rentals. In addition, heritage buildings such at the 1881 Town Hall will be moved to this site, creating a Heritage Campus that includes the Surrey Archives, Cloverdale Library and Veteran's Square.
Once complete, the Museum will be a community hub where visitors can learn about Canada's and Surrey's rich heritage and the contemporary issues in our lives today and into the future. Visitors will engage with dynamic exhibits and programs that are relevant, creative, innovative and encourage participation and action. Visitors can explore exciting topics like energy use, food security, transportation, housing, innovation and sustainability in fun, interactive ways, as well as gather with friends to study and strengthen their sense of community.
Quotes
"Cultural and recreational infrastructure plays a key role in developing dynamic communities where families can play together, where neighbours can meet, and where Canadians can celebrate the many cultures that make up our country. The Government of Canada is proud to support the expansion of the Surrey Museum, which will help ensure that many more generations can continue to learn about the rich history of Canada, British Columbia, and Surrey."
John Aldag, Member of Parliament for Cloverdale—Langley City,
On behalf of the Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities
"On behalf of Surrey City Council, I'm pleased to announce the expansion of the Surrey Museum, the result of many years of collaboration with numerous stakeholders. This new Heritage Campus will educate and entertain visitors as they explore our stories and communities. The Museum and campus will provide interactive and innovative perspectives about stories that link our communities with the relevant issues we face today. This will better equip younger generations with the knowledge and understanding needed to address the challenges of the future."
Her Worship Linda Hepner, Mayor of Surrey
Quick facts
- The Government of Canada is contributing up to $4,464,575 under the Provincial-Territorial Infrastructure Component – National and Regional Projects for the Surrey Museum, as well as $477,269 in previously announced support under the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund.
- The City of Surrey is contributing the remaining $10,789,656 of the $15,731,500 total project cost.
- The Government of Canada will invest more than $180 billion over 12 years in public transit projects, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, trade and transportation routes, and Canada's rural and northern communities.
Associated links
Government of Canada's $180 billion+ infrastructure plan in Budget 2017
Federal infrastructure investments in British Columbia
Provincial-Territorial Infrastructure Component – National and Regional Projects
Surrey Museum Expansion Update
Twitter: @INFC_eng
Web: Infrastructure Canada
SOURCE Infrastructure Canada
Brook Simpson, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, 613-219-0149, [email protected]; Canadian Heritage, Media Relations, 819-994-9101, 1-866-569-6155, [email protected]; Oliver Lum, Communications Manager, Office of the Mayor, 604-591-4519, [email protected]; Infrastructure Canada, 613-960-9251, Toll free: 1-877-250-7154, [email protected]
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