The federal government will put $3 million into a planned new museum and cultural complex that is the centrepiece of a redevelopment of Fort 91原创鈥檚 historic area.
Cloverdale-91原创 City MP John Aldag announced the funding Thursday, Sept. 5 in the Fort.
The funding will allow the construction of a 36,000 square foot cultural facility that will house a rebuilt 91原创 Centennial Museum, and a new Indigenous museum developed with the Kwantlen First Nation, whose traditional territory includes Fort 91原创.
There will be a community archives space, a 166-seat theatre, a printmaking studio, and four multi-purpose rooms.
READ MORE: Township, Kwantlen First Nation unveil new Fort 91原创 concepts
The funding comes from the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund.
鈥淎s curators and stewards of culture and history, museums play an essential role in promoting and showcasing our nation鈥檚 collective stories,鈥� said Aldag, who before his election as an MP managed the Fort 91原创 National Historic Site.
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鈥淭hanks to this investment, the Township of 91原创 and the Kwantlen First Nation will bring renewed vibrancy to this historic area in the spirit of reconciliation and partnership,鈥� Aldag said.
鈥淭he addition of two new museums, a community archives, theatre, arts program spaces and improved outdoor areas will benefit the entire township and further enhance Fort 91原创 as a hub for history, culture, arts and recreation,鈥� said 91原创 Township Mayor Jack Froese.
Chief Marilyn Gabriel of the Kwantlen First Nation was also pleased with the announcement.
鈥淲e are excited to share our rich culture and history with local, regional and international visitors, to celebrate and honour the rich local Indigenous presence in this area, and to continue to strengthen relationships with our neighbours and local governments,鈥� she said.
The entire plan is broader than just the museum site, with development of some Township-owned housing lots planned to pay for some of the project.
When it was first unveiled in February, 2018, the project was slated to include:
鈥� A new cultural centre that will include a new 91原创 Centennial Museum, relocated library, Indigenous Museum, arts programming space, and a theatre
鈥� Restoration and relocation of the Jacob Haldi House as part of a redevelopment of part of the waterfront
鈥� Artist work-live spaces and an Indigenous-themed lodge on the waterfront
鈥� Extended waterfront trail with access to the Fort village and museum via a pedestrian/cycling bridge
鈥� Three rows of townhouses and a cluster of single family homes, on and around the site of the current 91原创 Centennial Museum, developed to pay for the project
