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Canada Celebrates Alberta
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The Government of Canada has committed up to $60 million to mark Alberta's first 100 years as a province. Federal funding will support centennial celebrations as well as projects that have a significant, lasting impact on quality of life for Albertans and visitors alike.
Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD) and Canadian Heritage (PCH) will lead Canada's centennial initiatives in the province, with WD delivering $55.2 million in capital legacy projects over two years and Canadian Heritage directing up to $3.5 million toward commemorative and celebratory events, such as Canada Day and the Canada Games.
Project Selection Criteria
Alberta projects selected for funding fall into one or both of the following categories:
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Legacy – Capital infrastructure projects that will have long lasting economic and social benefits for community development while recognizing the Government of Canada's contribution to centennial celebrations.
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Celebrations, Commemoration and Learning – Initiatives that will highlight and celebrate Alberta's place in Confederation, instill local and national pride, foster a sense of community, and encourage learning among all Canadians to strengthen Confederation.
To be selected for funding, projects were required to demonstrate they:
- address Government of Canada priorities
- allow for broad-based accessibility to Albertans and others to celebrate culture and history
- link to activities of other levels of government and national celebrations
- avoid duplication of existing programs, and
- leverage other funding.
Projects selected for funding meet the Terms and Conditions of WD's Western Diversification Program.
Capital Legacy Projects
Capital projects supported by the Government of Canada will bring economic benefits to communities and leave a lasting legacy for all Albertans to enjoy.
The Government of Canada is investing a total of $30 million in the Provincial Museum of Alberta and $1 million in the Lieutenant Governor of Alberta Arts Awards Program, which was created to recognize individual Albertans for outstanding achievement in the arts or for significant contribution to the arts in Alberta.
The healing gardens at the new Alberta Children's Hospital, the Edmonton Art Gallery and Calgary's Glenbow Museum, Heritage Park and Museum of the Regiments will receive funding as well.
Alberta Centennial Initiatives Program Results
Royal Alberta Museum
Project renewal – status report
The Royal Alberta Museum is well on its way to becoming a destination of international renown. The first phase of public consultation, research, program planning and costing has been completed. The project is about to enter the architectural design and exhibition gallery design phase in order to have schematic designs ready for public viewing in the spring of 2006. Cohos Evamy Architecture in partnership with Lundholm Associates Architects were chosen as the design team while Reich + Petch Design International of Toronto has been chosen to prepare an exhibition master plan for the new exhibition galleries.
The Government of Canada’s investment in the Royal Alberta Museum will improve the facility’s ability to produce exhibits that continue to celebrate and promote the rural, urban and Aboriginal history of our province and share these exhibits with museums worldwide. These goals reflect the Government of Canada’s and the Province of Alberta’s combined efforts to provide a legacy for Albertans and Canadians in the form of a commemorative infrastructure project.
Glenbow Museum – Mavericks gallery
Gallery renovation - status report
As Western Canada’s largest museum and one of Canada’s most entrepreneurial top ten museums, the Glenbow Museum is anxiously awaiting the latest addition to its permanent gallery space. Mavericks: An Incorrigible History of Alberta is an exhibit that will add over 20,000 square feet of permanent gallery to the museum. The exhibit will trace the legendary tales and colourful personalities of those who shaped and defined Alberta’s history. The gallery is currently in the development stage and scheduled to open in February 2007.
This project will contribute to the City of Calgary’s economy by improving the viability, prosperity and quality of life in the surrounding area and in communities throughout Alberta. As a result of the Mavericks exhibit, the renewed Glenbow will be a visible reminder of Alberta’s centennial and will ensure that all Canadians receive value from this investment well into the future. The long-lasting economic and social benefits for Albertans and all Canadians contribute to the Government of Canada’s priorities in the areas of regional economic development and sustainable communities.
***Updates to milestone achievements for Alberta Centennial Initiatives will be posted accordingly.