Edmonton, Alberta, June 26, 2012 – Representatives gathered today to break ground at the new site of the Ukrainian Canadian Archives and Museum of Alberta (UCAMA), a facility dedicated to the preservation of the rich history and culture of Ukrainian-Canadians.
The new museum will be housed in Edmonton's historic Lodge Hotel, which will be renovated to create both display space and archive facilities. The UCAMA will showcase Ukrainian culture from across western Canadian communities.
"Our government is proud to support this important initiative that will celebrate the history, spirit and culture of the Ukrainian community in Alberta,"
said the Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Public Works and Government Services and Minister for Status of Women. "We will continue to support projects like the UCAMA which create jobs, strengthen our economy and enrich the cultural landscape of our cities."
"Culture connects our past with our present and gives us insight into the future of our province,"
said Heather Klimchuk, Minister of Alberta Culture. "The development of the archives and museum will document the storied history and the incredible achievements of Alberta's Ukrainian community and we are proud to be a partner in transforming this dream into reality."
"This new facility will honour the rich history of the Ukrainian community here in this city and throughout the province,"
said Mayor Stephen Mandel. "The City of Edmonton is proud of its multicultural roots, and this museum plays an important role in preserving Ukrainian history and culture in the city. Thank you to the federal and provincial governments, as well as the UCAMA for working together to realize a new showcase for the museum."
"It is exciting to finally begin construction of this award-winning design, and start breathing life into our vision for the museum,"
declared UCAMA President, Paul Teterenko. "This facility will become a lasting legacy that will allow all Albertans to celebrate and learn more about the contribution Ukrainian Canadians have made to Alberta and Canada. We call on the community to join us in our journey as we tell Canadians the stories that have shaped the country we know and love today."
The UCAMA has benefitted from joint funding from the governments of Canada and Alberta, totaling $6.25 million, under the Provincial-Territorial Base Fund. The City of Edmonton and UCAMA, through fundraising and private donorship, will contribute the remainder of the $11-million total cost.
The Provincial-Territorial Base Fund is a key component of the Building Canada plan. Between 2007 and 2014, Alberta will receive a total of $175 million from the Government of Canada for core infrastructure priorities such as water, wastewater, clean energy and safe roads.
Investing in infrastructure is a key part of the Government of Canada's plan to create jobs, generate economic growth and ensure long-term prosperity. Over the course of the summer, the Government of Canada will be engaging provinces, territories and stakeholders in a series of roundtables to develop a new long-term infrastructure plan. This plan will focus on investments that support job creation and economic growth, while building strong, prosperous communities across the country. In addition, the Government of Canada will hold a roundtable with national stakeholders and representatives of the private sector at the end of the summer. Working together to develop this plan will provide new opportunities for all orders of government and the private sector to build partnerships to improve public infrastructure in Canada.
For further information on Infrastructure Canada's projects in Alberta, visit www.infrastructure.gc.ca.
For more information, please contact:
Geneviève Sicard
Office of the Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities
613-991-0700
Barb Toker
Communications, Alberta Culture
780-427-6530
Erica Brusselers
Communications Consultant
Office of the Mayor of Edmonton
780-496-8105
Paul Teterenko,
President, UCAMA
780-953-6348 (cell)
Infrastructure Canada
613-960-9251 or
toll-free 1-877-250-7154
