Construction Underway on New Royal Alberta Museum

News Release

Federal-provincial partnership supports cultural infrastructure in Edmonton's Arts District

February 7, 2014 – Edmonton, Alberta

Excavation work paused today in downtown Edmonton for an Aboriginal blessing to ceremonially mark that construction is underway on what will be a marquee cultural and educational attraction for Canadians and visitors from around the world — the new Royal Alberta Museum.

The $340.5-million project will offer twice the floor space of the existing museum and will feature many new highlights such as an interactive children's pavilion as well as a gallery for international exhibitions. An energy efficient climate control system and other features will help lower future operating costs.

Demolition of the old Canada Post office previously on the site is now complete, with 90 percent of the material being recycled or re-used. Construction of the new Royal Alberta Museum is expected to be complete in 2016 with the grand opening expected in late 2017.

Quick facts

The Government of Canada is investing up to $122.5 million in this project: up to $92.5 million from the Major Infrastructure Component of the 2007 Building Canada Fund, and $30 million previously committed through the federal Alberta Centenaries Program.
The Government of Alberta has committed to providing $218 million.

Quotes

"Our government recognizes the importance of supporting cultural infrastructure that promotes and preserves Alberta's natural and cultural heritage. This expansion project will allow these exhibits to grow, and provide even more opportunities to bring world-class collections and cultural exhibits to our City"
- The Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Health, Regional Minister for Northern Alberta and Member of Parliament for Edmonton—Spruce Grove

"We are proud to invest in significant infrastructure projects, like this remarkable facility, as we focus on creating jobs, promoting growth, and building strong, prosperous communities across Canada"
- The Honourable Laurie Hawn, Member of Parliament for Edmonton Centre

"With demolition of the old post office complete we now enter the construction phase of this tremendous new museum – another way we're Building Alberta for all Albertans. Today's Aboriginal blessing acknowledges the important link with the land and peoples of Treaty 6. We envision the new museum as a place where Aboriginal values and perspectives will be shared and where people of diverse backgrounds will come together to engage in dialogue and to learn from each other."
- The Honourable Heather Klimchuk, Minister of Alberta Culture

"The transformation of this site continues. With today's events we near the end of demolition and celebrate the start of construction for the new home for Alberta's stories and history."
- The Honourable Ric McIver, Minister of Alberta Infrastructure

Associated links

Learn more about the Building Canada Fund — Major Infrastructure Component.
For additional information about federal investments in infrastructure in your region, visit Provinces-Territories – Main Page.
Consult Canada's Economic Action Plan for more information on the Government of Canada's focus on jobs and the economy.

Contacts

Michele-Jamali Paquette (Disponible en français)
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Infrastructure, Communities and Intergovernmental Affairs, and
Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec
613-943-1838

Trish Filevich
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Alberta Culture
780-719-4639

Infrastructure Canada
613-960-9251 or toll-free 1-877-250-7154
Email: media@infc.gc.ca
Twitter: @INFC_eng

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2016-12-14

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Construction Underway on New Royal Alberta Museum

News Release

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