CRESTON, British Columbia, January 22, 2008 - On behalf of the Honourable Josée Verner, Minister of Canadian Heritage, Status of Women and Official Languages, Jim Abbott, Parliamentary Secretary for Canadian Heritage and Member of Parliament (Kootenay-Columbia), today announced funding for the Creston and District Historical and Museum Society.
This funding of $76,900 will be used by the Society to reconstruct the retaining wall and back wall of its building to regain structural integrity; to replace drywall throughout the building; to replace doors with those suitable for disabled access; and to install HVAC, sprinkler, and improved electrical systems.
"Local heritage institutions are important to the vitality of communities across Canada," said Minister Verner. "Museums help strengthen Canadians' awareness of our rich cultural heritage."
"The Creston and District Historical and Museum Society collects, preserves, and presents the history of the Creston Valley," said Mr. Abbott. "The Government of Canada is committed to supporting facilities that enrich the cultural life of our communities and create a legacy of excellence."
"We are very excited about this support from Canadian Heritage. It will let us go ahead with major renovations to one of our buildings, the South Wing, that will transform it into a top-quality museum space," said Tammy Hardwick, Manager, Creston and District Museum and Archives. "Most importantly, this support will help us leverage support from other sources to which we have applied."
Since 1971, the Creston and District Historical and Museum Society has supported a wide range of in-house and outreach programs. A series of special events are held at the museum and archives every year, as well as a series of temporary exhibits, workshops, and other activities. Outreach activities include monthly presentations at a local seniors' residence, annual Heritage Week presentations in local elementary school classrooms, and involvement in a variety of community events.
The Government of Canada has provided this funding under the Cultural Spaces Canada Program of the Department of Canadian Heritage. This program contributes to improved physical conditions for artistic creativity and presentation/exhibition. It is designed to increase and improve access for Canadians to performing arts, visual arts, media arts, as well as to museum collections, heritage displays, and exhibitions.
Information: Dominic Gosselin
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage,
Status of Women and Official Languages
819 997-7788
Ginette Montreuil
Regional Manager
Communications
Western Region
Canadian Heritage
604 666-6504
Donald Boulanger
A/Chief, Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819 994-9101
