EDMONTON – Construction is underway on the new Royal Alberta Museum.
Representatives from all levels of government were on hand Friday morning for the start of construction on the project.
“It was a tough road to get to approval and so that’s just what makes today’s sod turning all the sweeter, is that eventually it did come together,” explained Edmonton Mayor Don Iveson. “We got the support of Ottawa and the province and this is going to be a wonderful addition to Edmonton.”
“It’s about partnerships that can do projects like this,” said Heather Klimchuk, Minister of Culture and Community Spirit.
The new museum is expected to cost $340 million, which includes $122 million from the Federal Building Canada Fund program.
It’s being constructed at 103 Avenue and 98 Street, which is the former site of the Old Canada Post Office Building.
“We know how important cultural spaces are, and there is no such thing as a world class city without a world class cultural space,” said Rona Ambrose, MP for Edmonton – Spruce Grove. Edmonton is a cultural capital of Canada and so we’re pleased to be a part of this.”
The new museum will be twice the size of the old facility and will include a new history gallery and a special children’s gallery.
“This is going to be an amazing gathering place for families and guests of our province, and it’s going to help tell our story, and it’s going to be a wonderful landmark and another reason for people to come to downtown Edmonton,” said Iveson.
The grand opening of the new museum is expected in late 2017.
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