Discovery Centre to Move to Expanded Quarters

The Discovery Centre will soon host science enthusiasts at a bigger, better venue through a financial partnership with the federal and provincial governments.

The centre will have a custom-built venue at the Nova Scotia Power building on the Halifax waterfront to promote hands-on science that is fun and accessible for people of all ages.

“For many years, Nova Scotians and visitors from around the region have been visiting the Discovery Centre to experience the wonders of science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics,” said Premier Stephen McNeil. “Thanks to our tremendous partnerships with the government of Canada and the Discovery Centre, the centre will soon have the space to offer even more learning opportunities, which will be amazing for children and families.”

“Our government is proud to support the Discovery Centre, an important cultural and touristic infrastructure in Halifax which will make for a memorable visitor experience,” said Peter MacKay, Minister of Justice, Attorney General of Canada. “Federal investments like this one demonstrate government’s continued support to improve infrastructure and create jobs, growth and long-term prosperity.”

The government of Canada will contribute up to $3 million through the 2007 Building Canada Fund – Major Infrastructure Component. This funding is conditional on the project meeting eligibility requirements and a contribution agreement. The province will contribute $6 million from the Department of Communities, Culture and Heritage. The Discovery Centre will be responsible for the rest of the $18.5 million cost and any overruns.

“This is an exciting chapter in the Discovery Centre’s continuing story, and we couldn’t be more thrilled with this major investment from both the federal and provincial governments,” said Dov Bercovici, CEO of the Discovery Centre. “This investment allows us to start building our new science centre, which we know is going to be a marquee educational and cultural destination in Nova Scotia and Atlantic Canada.”

These investments will allow the centre’s size to increase to more than 40,000 square feet, improving and expanding exhibit space and research capabilities. The new location will offer better accessibility and help attract the region’s science enthusiasts with new youth and adult programming. The larger centre will provide access to advanced technologies and a selection of galleries on water, energy, health and more.

For more information about the Discovery Centre, go to http://discoverycentre.ns.ca.

Source: Release