Government of Canada Invests in Saskatchewan's Heritage

NORTH BATTLEFORD, SASKATCHEWAN--(Marketwire - March 4, 2011) - Renovations will take place at the North Battleford branch of the Western Development Museum (WDM), thanks in part to an investment by the Government of Canada. Battlefords–Lloydminster Member of Parliament Gerry Ritz, Agriculture Minister and Regional Minister for Saskatchewan, made the announcement today on behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages.

The renovation project involves the replacement of the current radiant-style heating system at the WDM North Battleford branch with an updated rooftop heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system that will better equip the facility for exhibition and preservation of its heritage collections. This project will modernize the North Battleford Museum and enable technicians to monitor the environment and maintain a regulated temperature for proper artifact management, storage and preservation.

"Our Government is proud to support the North Battleford Western Development Museum," said Minister Moore. "As a result of our investment, Canadians will have increased and improved access to important heritage collections and a better visitor experience."

"This project opens the door to new exhibits that showcase Saskatchewan's rich Prairie heritage, which in recent years has been impossible because of an aging infrastructure," said Minister Ritz.

"The substantial contribution received from the Government of Canada in support of upgrading the environmental systems in the North Battleford Western Development Museum is immensely appreciated," said David Klatt, Executive Director of the WDM. "This project will enable the Museum to provide an enhanced environment, both for improved preservation of the artifacts and exhibits of our heritage, and for the comfort and enjoyment of the Museum's many visitors."

The WDM comprises four museum branches in the cities of Moose Jaw, North Battleford, Saskatoon, and Yorkton. Curatorial services, administration, and central storage facilities are located at the Curatorial Centre in Saskatoon. The four museums differ in theme, building structure, and size.

The North Battleford branch is host to the Heritage Farm and Village, which consists of more than twenty buildings of historical significance. Visitors to the museum experience both farm and village aspects of pioneer life.

The Government of Canada has provided funding of $81,400 through the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund of the Department of Canadian Heritage. This program seeks to improve physical conditions for artistic creativity and arts presentation or exhibition. It is also designed to increase access for Canadians to performing, visual, and media arts, and to museum collections and heritage displays.

(This news release is available on the Internet at www.canadianheritage.gc.ca under Newsroom.)