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<p>A new state-of-the-art and seismically safe Royal BC Museum (RBCM) is
coming to Victoria and will be more accessible for all British
Columbians.</p><p>The new museum will reflect the experiences and
perspectives of all who contributed to B.C.’s history, providing a
cultural legacy for generations to come. The new museum is made possible
through a $789-million investment from the Province.</p><p>“For
decades, people from British Columbia and around the globe have come to
the Royal BC Museum to learn about our special corner of the world. For
just as long, the stories told here have failed to accurately reflect
our colonial history or include everyone, and priceless collections are
now being put at risk in an aging building,” said Premier John Horgan.
“That’s why today, we are making this historic investment to build a
safer, more inclusive and accessible modern building. Once complete, the
new museum will be a flagship destination for tourism and a place where
generations to come will learn about the richness and diversity of
B.C.’s history.”</p><p>Like the Royal BC Museum’s collections and
research building in Colwood, the new museum will be built to achieve
high efficiency for all its HVAC systems. Both buildings will
incorporate mass timber construction to leverage B.C.’s strengths in
building innovation and support good jobs. These approaches will deliver
significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and energy costs.</p><p>The
new museum will also be one of the first government projects of this
size that partners with local First Nations on the project team,
participating in both project development and delivery, including design
influence to reflect the Lekwungen peoples, and members of the Songhees
Nation and Esquimalt Nation.</p><p>“Our government is working hard to
build B.C.’s museum for the next generation. We are turning the walls
inside out to create a dynamic and engaging space that will be the
province’s flagship historical centre, inclusive of all the stories of
the people who have shaped B.C.,” said Melanie Mark, Minister of
Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport. “Museums are more important than ever
to be a canvas for our history and inspiration for our future. Our
partnership with the local First Nations to guide us to this stage is
truly reconciliation in action. From the exhibits and programs to the
employees and building itself, we are bringing the people’s museum into
the 21st century.”<br><br></p><p><b>Find the full statement online at <a href="https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2022PREM0030-000747">https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2022PREM0030-000747<br><br></a></b></p>
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