Today Canada's Transport and Infrastructure Minister John Baird, joined with Stockwell Day, President of the Treasury Board and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway, and Mike Shardlow, President and CEO of Canada Place Corporation to mark the start of construction for the replacement of Canada Place's iconic sail roof.
The roof is set to be replaced in 2010/2011 as part of the Government of Canada's Economic Action Plan. The fabric of the internationally recognized five white sails will be replaced with new tension fabric that mimics the specifications of the original five-sail design. The project helps ensure Canada Place remains a hub of social and economic activity and will continue to generate an economic impact of $1 billion annually to the local economy.
"Our Government is pleased to be part of the roof replacement to this important building, which has become a symbol of culture, tourism and economic activity in Canada," said Baird. "In this second and final year of Canada's Economic Action Plan, the Government of Canada is fully committed to following through on implementation of the infrastructure stimulus package. These investments are creating jobs now, when they are needed most, and at the same time, positioning Canada for long-term growth and prosperity."
"I'm excited to be here today and take part in the beginning of construction at Canada Place, a building that exemplifies Canadian pride," said Stockwell Day, President of the Treasury Board and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway. "This project is another example of the many projects in British Columbia and across Canada that will create jobs, stimulate our economy, and strengthen our communities."
"Canada Place is a national icon and a defining feature of the Vancouver skyline. In order to ensure Canada Place remains a viable and vibrant contributor to our country, the time has come to overhaul the sail fabric which has served us for over 20 years," said Mike Shardlow, President and CEO of Canada Place Corporation. "This is an exciting time for Canada Place and we thank the federal government for its investment in our dynamic facility."
Since March 2009, the Government of Canada has committed funding to almost 400 projects across British Columbia as part of the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund, representing a total federal investment of over $500 million.
The $21-million roof replacement project is made possible through the federal government's Infrastructure Stimulus Fund, a key component of Canada's Economic Action Plan. The project begins July 2010 following Canada Place's award winning Canada Day event.
Canada Place is home to the Port Metro Vancouver Cruise Ship Terminal and corporate office, Vancouver Convention Centre East, Pan Pacific Hotel, World Trade Centre and VINCI parkade, and will remain open throughout the project; however Exhibition Halls B & C of the Convention Centre at Canada Place will become a construction zone.
The original Canada Place sails were erected in 1984 as the Canada Pavilion for Expo '86. More recently, the sails served as the media backdrop for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic & Paralympic Winter Games. Canada Place is seeking opportunities to reuse the fabric in innovative ways including donating to charitable organizations for humanitarian use.
The website www.creatingjobs.gc.ca has more information on federal infrastructure investments in British Columbia.
For more information on Canada Place and the project please visit www.canadaplace.ca.
