Government Acts to Restore Canada Science and Technology Museum

OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - Nov. 17, 2014) - Department of Canadian Heritage

The Honourable Shelly Glover, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, today announced funding of $80.5 million for the Canada Science and Technology Museums Corporation. The support will allow for not only the continuation of the stabilization plan for its Canada Science and Technology Museum building, but also upgrades to the exhibit space and modernization of the façade.

The Corporation will also initiate the Museum building's roof replacement, the retrofitting of the building envelope to meet seismic and fire-suppression building codes, the retrofitting and upgrading of its exhibit space, and the modernization of the exterior façade of the Museum for reopening in 2017.

Quick Facts

• As we approach the 150^th anniversary of Confederation in 2017, Canada's national museums continue to play a key role in engaging Canadians of every generation in our proud history.
  
• Since 2006, the Government of Canada has provided an additional $248 million to the four national museums in the National Capital Region, including this investment, and has created the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 and the Canadian Museum of History.
  
• The Canada Science and Technology Museum opened in 1967 as a centennial project.
  
• The Canada Science and Technology Museum was the first interactive science and technology museum in the country, and one of the first of its kind in the world.

Quotes

"The Harper government understands the value of engaging Canadians of all ages in Canada's rich, dynamic history. Our Government's investment will allow the Canada Science and Technology Museums Corporation to repair, retrofit and renovate this treasured institution for Canada and the National Capital Region. When we celebrate the 150^th anniversary of Confederation in 2017, the Canada Science and Technology Museum will showcase Canadian innovation and offer world-class exhibits and a fully digital experience to thousands of visitors every year."

-The Honourable Shelly Glover, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages

"In recognition of the Museum's important contribution in sharing key aspects of Canadian history, our Government is investing resources to make the Canada Science and Technology Museum a more welcoming and inspiring place to visit and to learn about Canada's past, present and future. This funding is essential to support the Museum's work in our National Capital, in promoting Canada's long history of scientific and technological achievement, and the future innovations that will surely amaze us."

-The Honourable John Baird, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Member of Parliament (Ottawa West-Nepean)

"This investment marks the beginning of a new era for the Canada Science and Technology Museum. It will ensure that the museum is fully repaired and upgraded with the latest technologies which will enhance visitor experience-both online and on site. This modernized innovative Canada Science and Technology Museum will also highlight Canada's past innovation while showcasing the future, inspiring our youth to become future innovators."

-Alex Benay, CEO of the Canada Science and Technology Museums Corporation

Associated Links

Canada Science and Technology Museums Corporation

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Backgrounder

REMEDIATION AND STABILIZATION PLAN

This investment is needed to remedy the mould contamination of the Canada Science and Technology Museum's building and to remove and store its national collection.

ROOF REPLACEMENT

Funding will serve to replace the existing roofing materials on the Canada Science and Technology Museum building. The project will include removing the layers of membrane, vapour barrier, insulation, and the asbestos-containing cement, as well as replacing the steel deck.

RETROFITTING THE BUILDING ENVELOPE FOR SEISMIC AND FIRE SUPPRESSION

The seismic retrofit will include bracing the building perimeter walls to prevent torsion during a seismic disturbance, upgrading the fire detection and suppression system tied to seismic requirements, and repointing bricks. This portion of the project will also include a fire-suppression retrofit of the building envelope.

RETROFITTING AND UPGRADING THE EXHIBIT SPACE

For an enhanced presentation of the national collection on science, technology and innovation, the Canada Science and Technology Museum exhibition space will be upgraded using the latest technologies to create a fully digital experience.

MODERNIZING THE EXTERIOR FAÇADE

The exterior façade of the building will be modernized with an architectural addition that will reflect innovation in science and technology.