June 13, 2014 – Vancouver, British Columbia – Infrastructure Canada
Today, in the heart of Stanley Park, federal and provincial officials joined local residents to celebrate the completion of extensive renovations to the Vancouver Aquarium. This important infrastructure project, which has added 55,000 square feet of high-tech exploratory space, is the most ambitious ever undertaken by the Aquarium during its 58-year history. It vastly improves the habitats of more than 50,000 fish and animals currently housed in the facility.
The first two phases of the project included the creation of a new main entrance that features an outdoor plaza and central gallery space, as well as new admissions and food service facilities, and a larger, newly renovated gift shop. The Aquarium's transformation also includes the revitalization of sustainable mechanical, water filtration and electrical systems, new state-of-the-art energy-conserving heating and cooling, and new recycling centres. These enhancements have been built with Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards in mind.
As a flagship tourist destination, the Vancouver Aquarium hosts over a million visitors per year. These renovations will help the Aquarium maintain its place as a world leader in aquatic research, conservation and public education, employment and global tourism, while also generating $103 million annually for the local economy. Included in this project is the revitalization of Canada's Arctic exhibit, which allows visitors to see changes experienced by the animals, land and people of this important region. This next phase is set to be completed in 2017.
"Our Government is proud to support the expansion of the Vancouver Aquarium, an award-winning facility that is not only a leader in marine research, aquatic conservation, and public education, but also plays an important role in the economy of Vancouver by creating local jobs and attracting tourists from all over the globe. We have made unprecedented investments in Canada's infrastructure since 2006, and through the New Building Canada Fund, we will continue to focus on creating jobs, promoting growth, and building strong, prosperous communities across Canada."
- James Moore, Minister of Industry and Minister Responsible for British Columbia
Vincent Rabault
Press Secretary
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
Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development
Government of British Columbia
250-953-3677
Linda Nishida
Communications Advisor
Vancouver Aquarium
604-659-3777
Infrastructure Canada
613-960-9251
Toll-free 1-877-250-7154
Email: media@infc.gc.ca
Twitter: @INFC_eng
Website: Infrastructure Canada
