Helen Schuler Nature Centre Celebrates 32nd Anniversary with Rededication Ceremony

News Release

Renovations and upgrades to the facility made possible thanks to the governments of Canada and Alberta and the City of Lethbridge

June 6, 2014 – Lethbridge, Alberta – Infrastructure Canada

Jim Hillyer, Member of Parliament for Lethbridge, Bridget Pastoor, MLA for Lethbridge—East, and Chris Spearman, Mayor of the City of Lethbridge, celebrated today the rededication of the Helen Schuler Nature Centre after extensive renovations and upgrades were completed this winter.

Reopened since February, the modernized Centre now has an additional space of 500 square metres, which is contributing to an improved work environment for staff and volunteers, meets increasing public demand, and allows for future programming opportunities. In addition, the building is now more accessible to all visitors and demonstrates sustainable building practices, including the installation of two styles of green roofs. The new Centre will soon be designated a LEED Gold Facility and the building itself will act as a teaching tool for green initiatives like water conservation and energy efficiency. Finally, gallery space will support future growth of the cultural sector, foster new audiences and provide much needed space to display travelling science- or technology-based exhibits.

Funding for the $4.5-million project was provided by a variety of sources, including $518,000 from the federal Gas Tax Fund for upgrades to promote energy efficiency and $4.1 million from the City of Lethbridge. Additional Government of Canada funding in the amount of $13,472 was contributed through the Enabling Accessibility Fund to remove barriers for people with special mobility requirements.

Quick facts

Currently, the Government of Canada provides $199,503,000 in annual funding for municipal infrastructure in Alberta through the federal Gas Tax Fund.
Since 2006, the City of Lethbridge has been allocated approximately $29,225,994 from the federal Gas Tax Fund.
The Enabling Accessibility Fund is a federal Grants and Contributions program that supports the capital costs of construction and renovations related to improving physical accessibility and safety for people with disabilities in Canadian communities and workplaces. Since its creation in 2007, the program has funded over 1,400 projects across the country and has improved accessibility for thousands of Canadians.

Quotes

"Our Government has made unprecedented investments in Canada's infrastructure since 2006. This expansion project, which received funding from the federal Gas Tax Fund and Enabling Accessibility Fund, will ensure that the Helen Schuler Nature Centre can continue to engage visitors of all ages with the natural world and provide learning opportunities for many years to come. We are proud to invest in important infrastructure projects, such as this one, as we focus on creating jobs, promoting growth, and building strong, prosperous communities across Canada."

- Jim Hillyer, Member of Parliament for Lethbridge

"The Helen Schuler Centre has served the City of Lethbridge for over 30 years by encouraging residents to interact and engage with their local natural environment. Our government knows that by supporting projects like this, we are investing in healthy, vibrant communities and enhancing Albertans quality of life, which is a pivotal part of our Building Alberta Plan."

- Greg Weadick, Minister of Municipal Affairs

"It has been amazing to see our community excited to see the new spaces. The feedback has been great! Now it's time to recognize the past while at the same time, celebrate the future. That's really what the rededication of the facility to its namesake, the late Helen Schuler is all about."

- Coreen Putman, Coordinator, Helen Schuler Nature Centre

Associated links

See how the federal Gas Tax Fund provides long-term funding to help local governments build and revitalize their local infrastructure.
For additional information on the New Building Canada Plan.
Consult Canada's Economic Action Plan to learn more about the Government of Canada's focus on jobs and the economy.

Contacts

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

Emily Woods
Press Secretary
Municipal Affairs
780-638-4271
emily.woods@gov.ab.ca

Becky Little
Volunteer and Resource Development Coordinator
Helen Schuler Nature Centre
403-320-4985
becky.little@lethbridge.ca

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

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2016-12-14

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Helen Schuler Nature Centre Celebrates 32nd Anniversary with Rededication Ceremony

News Release

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