June 05, 2009
Vancouver, British Columbia
Tourists and Tomorrow's Scientists to Benefit from Upgrades to Facility
Today, the Honourable Stockwell Day, Minister of International Trade, Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway and Member of Parliament for Okanagan-Coquihalla, on behalf of the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification, announced more than $1-million in federal funding to upgrade Science World.
The Government of Canada, through Western Economic Diversification Canada, is supporting major improvements to sections of Science World's distinctive structure formation engineering operations.
"Today's investment will enhance a popular tourism destination and will help stimulate economic development for our region," said Minister Day. "With over 90,000 visitors from outside the Province of B.C. and Canada, Science World is an important tourist attraction that supports technology skills development and encourages young people to pursue education and enter science and technology careers."
With this investment, Science World will renovate existing facilities and plan for future upgrades and construction. Project activities include: preparation of an architectural facility master plan to guide future Science World facility re-development; replacing and upgrading Science World's iconic exterior dome lights with long lasting, energy efficient, controllable, colour-changing LEDs; and repairing and replacing deteriorating building elements to enhance visitor safety and comfort.
"As a non-profit organization, Science World depends on support such as this funding from Western Economic Diversification Canada," says Bryan Tisdall, Science World's president and CEO. "This generous donation will help rejuvenate our iconic building and improve our energy efficiency so that we can continue to provide the best experience possible to our visitors for years to come."
Science World, a non-profit organization, encourage scientific learning and discovery in a fun, interactive environment, promoting the development of a knowledge-based society in B.C.
Western Economic Diversification Canada works with the provinces, industry associations, and communities to promote the development and diversification of the western economy; coordinates federal economic activities in the West and represents the interests of western Canadians in national decision making.
For additional information, contact:
Donna Howes
Communications Manager
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Tel : (604) 666-1318
Cell: (604) 505-6616
Pamela Findling
Communications Coordinator
Science World
Tel : (604) 443-7470
WD Toll-Free Number:1 888 338-WEST (9378)
Teletypewriter (TTY): 1 877 303-3388
Website: WD is online at www.wd-deo.gc.ca.
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