Construction to Start on Royal B.C. Museum's Collections Building

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Construction will begin this summer on the Royal BC Museum's collections and research building, with an expected opening in 2026.

The $270-million building will house many of the Victoria museum's seven million artifacts and the B.C. Archives.

The B.C. government says a $205-million contract has been awarded to Maple Reinders Constructors Ltd. to design and build the facility, following a competitive bidding process. 

The building, in nearby Colwood, will include research facilities and learning spaces.  

Alicia Dubois, the museum's CEO, says it will be a welcoming community space. 

"We hope to inspire future paleontologists, entomologists, botanists and historians through greater learning opportunities by enhancing public access to our work," she said.

The government recently called a halt to a plan to rebuild the aging downtown museum on the same site close to the city's waterfront after a public outcry over the cost. Many people argued the money would be better spend addressing social problems like the lack of affordable housing, a critical shortage of family doctors and the toxic drug crisis.

The museum is now engaging in a province-wide public consultation on its future direction.

Form more information, go here: https://www.royalbcmuseummodernization.ca/.

Source: B.C. Government