Edmonton, Alberta, November 16, 2011 – The Honourable Laurie Hawn, Member of Parliament for Edmonton Centre, today announced that Edmonton's regional economy will receive a major boost today thanks to the Government of Canada's commitment of up to $122.5 million toward the Royal Alberta Museum renewal project, including $92.5 million from the Building Canada Fund. MP Hawn was joined by the Honourable Jeff Johnson, Alberta Minister of Infrastructure.
"Canadians gave our Government a strong mandate to stay focused on what matters most to them – creating jobs and economic growth,"
said MP Hawn, on behalf of the Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities. "The Royal Alberta Museum was identified as a priority project by the Province, and we are pleased to pledge additional funding towards this project."
"This is great news for all Albertans. Many people at all levels of government have worked hard to try and bring these negotiations to a successful conclusion,"
said the Honourable Jeff Johnson, Minister of Alberta Infrastructure. "We appreciate the federal government's commitment to develop solutions to helping us fund this cultural jewel for all Canadians in the heart of downtown Edmonton."
The renewal of the Royal Alberta Museum project involves the design and construction of a new museum, to be located in downtown Edmonton. Key new features will include an interactive children's pavilion and a gallery for international exhibitions.
Federal funding through the Building Canada Fund – Major Infrastructure Component (BCF-MIC) is conditional on the signing of a design-build contract by January 31, 2012, and construction starting no later than November 30, 2012. If these conditions are not met, the BCF-MIC funding identified for the Royal Alberta Museum will become available for other potential infrastructure projects in the Edmonton area. $92.5 million from BCF-MIC as announced today is in addition to a contribution of $30 million previously committed by the Government of Canada.
For more information on investments in Edmonton's infrastructure by the Government of Canada, please visit www.infrastructure.gc.ca.
Contacts:
Pierre Floréa
Office of the Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities
613-991-0700
Cam Traynor
Communications Director
Alberta Infrastructure
780-644-8596
Infrastructure Canada
613-960-9251
OR Toll-free 1-877-250-7154
