Minister James Moore announces major investment in local Port Coquitlam company to build and deliver the enclosure for one of the world’s largest, most advanced Earth telescopes
June 30, 2015 – Port Coquitlam, British Columbia
Today, the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Industry, Minister Responsible for British Columbia and Member of Parliament for Port Moody–Westwood–Port Coquitlam, announced that Dynamic Structures will receive up to $70 million to build and deliver the precision-steel enclosure of the Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT), one of the world's largest Earth-based telescopes. The Harper Government's investment will create approximately 125 new full-time, high-skill jobs within the company and its partner suppliers.
The TMT is a landmark international project to build one of the world's largest and most advanced astronomical observatories. The telescope will be built on Hawaii's Mauna Kea summit, which is an ideal site due to its high altitude and dry climate. It is already home to several international observatories.
Dynamic Structures is a Port Coquitlam company that designs and builds complex mechanical systems and specialty structures for world-class telescopes, theme park rides and bridges. It was selected to design, build and deliver the TMT's precision-steel enclosure—the spherical outer shell that will rotate on two planes to allow the opening of the dome to be perfectly located over the telescope. This novel design will shield the instrument from temperature variations and wind.
Jake Enwright
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Industry
343-291-2500
Media Relations
Industry Canada
343-291-1777
media-relations@ic.gc.ca
