VANCOUVER, BC, July 3, 2024
/CNW/ - Science World's geodesic dome, one of the most recognized
buildings in British Columbia,
will receive critical infrastructure upgrades after an investment
of $19 million from the federal
government.
Announced by Minister Harjit S.
Sajjan and Tracy Redies,
Science World President & CEO, this funding will insulate and
address necessary repairs in the dome to support the re-opening of
the theatre. It will also support priority repairs to the heating,
ventilation, air conditioning, and electrical systems, decking and
pilings repairs, and upgrades to the building envelope.
Additionally, new accessibility features will help ensure Science
World remains a space where people of all abilities can gather,
learn, and discover.
Science World, a non-profit organization, engages learners
across the province in science, technology, engineering, art &
design, and math (STEAM) through interactive exhibits and outreach
programs. Located within its geodesic dome, Science World features
the OMNIMAX Theatre, offering a remarkable 360-degree cinematic
experience that showcases educational and visually immersive
films.
Built originally as a temporary signature site for Expo 86,
Science World has long needed infrastructure upgrades to increase
its lifespan. These upgrades will allow the facility to meet the
growing demand for STEAM education.
Quotes
"Investing in Science World is an investment in a sustainable
community, fostering opportunities for learning, exploration,
discovery, and imagination. These essential upgrades will not only
ensure the iconic dome continues to light up Vancouver's skyline, they will also enhance
Science World's resilience to climate change so that it continues
to operate safely and remain accessible for all learners for years
to come."
The Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of Emergency
Preparedness and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic
Development Agency of Canada, on behalf of the
Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and
Communities
"We are very grateful for the continued support of the federal
government and this significant investment to ensure that Science
World is here for generations to come. These critical
infrastructure upgrades are not only vital to our own future but to
the future generations of students, families and teachers who
access our STEAM programming every day."
Tracy Redies, President &
CEO, Science World
Quick Facts
- The federal government is investing $19
million in this project through the Green and Inclusive
Community Buildings (GICB) program.
- On April 23, 2023, the provincial
government announced $20 million in
funding for infrastructure repairs and priorities at Science World,
$9.3 million of which is going to
this project.
- These improvements are expected to reduce the facility's energy
consumption by an estimated 42% and greenhouse gas emissions by
66.5 tonnes annually.
- The GICB program was created in support of Canada's Strengthened Climate Plan: A Healthy
Environment and a Healthy Economy. It is supporting the Plan's
first pillar by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, increasing
energy efficiency, and helping develop higher resilience to climate
change.
- The program launched in 2021 with an initial investment of
$1.5 billion over five years towards
green and accessible retrofits, repairs or upgrades.
- Budget 2024 announced an additional $500
million to support more projects through GICB until
2029.
- At least 10% of funding is allocated to projects serving First
Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities, including Indigenous
populations in urban centres.
Associated Links
Green and Inclusive Community Buildings
https://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/gicb-bcvi/index-eng.html
Strengthened Climate Plan
https://www.canada.ca/en/services/environment/weather/climatechange/climate-plan/climate-plan-overview.html
Federal infrastructure investments in British Columbia
https://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/prog-proj-bc-eng.html
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SOURCE Infrastructure Canada