October 12, 2018

Home » Partners Break Ground on Expansion of Edmonton’s Living History Museum

News Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Investing in cultural and historical infrastructure plays an important role in developing dynamic communities, promoting tourism and preserving Canada’s heritage, including the history and experiences of the Métis and First Nations.

Today, the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, Dr. Bob Turner, MLA for Edmonton–Whitemud, on behalf of the Honourable Ricardo Miranda, Minister of Alberta Culture and Tourism, and His Worship Don Iveson, Mayor of Edmonton gathered in Fort Edmonton Park to break ground on the site’s highly anticipated expansion project.

The expansion will create new spaces and attractions that showcase the history of First Nations and the Métis, along with new learning facilities, a treaty lodge, a new Ferris wheel, maze and new game booths for the 1920s Midway, an upgraded admission area and an expansion of the Hotel Selkirk.

Once complete, the project will allow residents and visitors to immerse themselves in engaging new educational experiences and enjoy modern facilities that enhance their overall experience.

Quotes

“The Government of Canada is pleased to see work progressing on the expansion of Canada’s largest living history museum in Edmonton. With these improvements and new attractions, the site will be able to attract even more visitors to celebrate the region’s diverse heritage and history. Our government is proud to be investing in projects that preserve culture while contributing to economic growth and community development.”

The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities

“Sharing the rich history of this province and its people, Fort Edmonton is one of Alberta’s must-see visitor attractions. Expansion of the park will help us to better tell the vital stories of the First Nations and Métis communities, help create jobs and immerse visitors in Alberta’s vibrant living history.”

The Honourable Ricardo Miranda, Minister of Alberta Culture and Tourism

“The City is proud to be partnering with the Federal and Provincial governments on this valuable expansion. It’s vital that our region’s history is presented with accuracy and authenticity, and these new areas and the improvements to the existing ones will provide great learning opportunities, educational programs and the chance for visitors to interact with a more honest picture of our past.”

His Worship Don Iveson, Mayor of Edmonton

“Fort Edmonton Foundation is proud to be a funding partner in this expansion project and is so pleased to celebrate the hard work and dedication of so many passionate volunteers, leaders and partners over the past decade who made these top four priorities from the 2010 Masterplan become reality.  We are confident that the families of our region and the business community will continue to step up to support this $11 million Capital Campaign to complete this project just as it has done so over the past 50 years.”

Michael Paull, President, Fort Edmonton Foundation

“We’re excited to work with our partners on this important project. The enhancements to the park, along with our new strategic direction, will make Fort Edmonton Park the premier cultural tourism attraction in Western Canada. This project along with a focus on relevant experiences, accessibility and financial sustainability will lead the way in making Fort Edmonton Park a favourite destination for many years to come.”

Darren Dalgleish, President & CEO, Fort Edmonton Management Company

Quick facts

• Through the Investing in Canada infrastructure plan, the Government of Canada will invest more than $180 billion over 12 years in public transit projects, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, trade and transportation routes, and Canada’s rural and northern communities.

• $25.3 billion of this funding will support social (including cultural) infrastructure in Canadian communities.

• The Government of Canada is contributing up to $47,794,500 to the expansion of Fort Edmonton Park. Of this amount, $500,000 was invested under the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program and supported the renovation of the Fort Edmonton Park midway and fairgrounds. The remainder of the project funds falls under the Provincial-Territorial Infrastructure Fund—National and Regional Projects.

• The Government of Alberta is providing $33.5 million for the project elements outlined above, as well as an expansion of the Hotel Selkirk.

• The City of Edmonton will be providing $72,559,000 toward the expansion.

• The Fort Edmonton Foundation has committed to raising $10,000,000 for the project.

Associated Links

Investing in Canada: Canada’s Long-Term Infrastructure Plan

Investing in Canada Plan Project Map

Federal infrastructure investments in Alberta

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