Gallery Expansion Delayed in Victoria

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A digital rendering shows what the NEXT Gallery could look like. (Courtesy HCMA Architecture + Design)

The start of construction for the expansion of the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria has been delayed until March due to rising construction costs and funding delays.

The budget for the expansion, which includes an extra 11,000 square feet of exhibition space, was originally set at $21 million. But rising construction and material costs have driven the price tag closer to $26 million. 

So far, the province has put forward $6 million, and donors $8 million. The gallery is waiting to hear if it will get $10 million in federal funding. News is not expected until after the Oct. 21 federal election.

“The timing hasn’t been great,” gallery director Jon Tupper told the Victoria News. 

He has been working to pare down costs and says completion is now expected in 2022. 

Source: Victoria News