The Remai Modern Art Gallery of Saskatchewan has received more funding from the federal government.
Ralph Goodale, Canada’s minister of public safety and emergency preparedness, said the Liberal government will fund an additional $3 million to the Saskatoon facility.
“Today’s investment will increase the Remai Modern’s capacity to preserve its extensive collection while ensuring it is accessible to all,” Goodale said in a statement.
“This new state-of-the-art facility will be a place for Saskatoon to celebrate its vibrant arts and culture scene.”
READ MORE: Saskatoon city council shelves branding, reduces Remai Modern funding
The money will support the construction and completion of two galleries and the purchase of specialized equipment like environmental control systems.
Remai Modern CEO Gregory Burke said the funds will allow the facility to function at its potential.
“Large, equipped gallery spaces are necessary to present international touring exhibitions, while equipment such as the vault systems will allow the museum to protect its art collection and attract significant art loans.”
The Canadian government has now contributed over $16 million to Remai Modern. The gallery originally received over $13 million in 2013 through the Building Canada Fund.
The gallery, located at River Landing, has been plagued with construction delays.
The 130,000 square foot facility was originally slated to open in 2016, but that was pushed back to January 2017.
READ MORE: Saskatoon’s Remai Modern Art Gallery opening delayed once again
The opening was further delayed when the contractor had to push back a construction benchmark date.
Now the earliest the doors can open is October 2017 because it will take eight months to move into the gallery once it’s been certified by the City of Saskatoon.
“The city’s consultants are reviewing EllisDon’s application and substantial completion has not yet been certified. Work is continuing on site,” major projects and preservation director Dan Willems said in a statement on Wednesday.
Another contentious issue has been the budget.
When construction started in 2013, the total budget was pegged at $93.7 million, including the $74.2 million for the gallery and $19.5 million for a parkade. But now the cost for the gallery have soared up to $84.6 million, bringing the total to $104.1 million.
This doesn’t include the $2 million land value, which the city has owned since its incorporation.
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