B.C. funds Science World repairs
The building has been welcoming visitors since 1989.
Key Takeaways:
- B.C. is spending $20 million to fix the aging Science World building in Vancouver.
- Work includes replacing heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC), and electrical systems. Crews will also repair the buildings iconic dome, which is leaking.
- The funding is part of a larger effort to repair and upgrade tourism infrastructure in the province.
The Whole Story:
Vancouver’s iconic Science World building is getting repaired.
Repairs to the dome are part of $50-million worth of tourism infrastructure upgrades the province is helping fund.
“If you live in B.C., you have a couple special places you love to visit with family and friends. For my family, Science World is one of those spots,” said Premier David Eby. “If you’re visiting B.C. you know how much there is to see – but all this doesn’t happen by accident. That’s why we’re building a strong tourism sector where visitors can experience all our province has to offer and British Columbians can enjoy their favourite places as well as the benefits of a strong, diverse economy.”
Critical systems housed in Science World’s dome are at the end of their life, including heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) and electrical systems, and repairs to these systems must be addressed. The dome is also leaking, rendering the theatre unusable.
The province is investing $20 million in Science World to support priority infrastructure repairs and improvements to its dome and other parts of the building. Updates will include new electrical energy efficiencies and other critical infrastructure upgrades.
“The past three years have been incredibly difficult for people in the tourism industry,” said Lana Popham, minister of tourism, arts, culture and sport. “Our government is proud to invest in the tourism sector to support the people who work in it and to support its sustained recovery. By supporting Science World, we are ensuring families throughout B.C. and all our visitors can continue to create lifelong memories together.”
Science World first opened for Expo 86 and has been welcoming more than 860,000 visitors each year prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. It is also a learning institution for students and teachers throughout B.C., highlighting careers in science, technology, engineering, arts and design, and math (STEAM) and preparing students with skills for the future.
“This funding will allow us to continue to make critical infrastructure updates to the iconic dome,” said Tracy Redies, CEO, Science World. “We look forward to continuing to work with the Province to ensure we can keep welcoming millions of visitors from B.C., Canada and around the world for another 35 years.”
The province is also providing $30 million to enhance existing tourism infrastructure throughout the province, foster globally competitive destinations, strengthen a year-round visitor economy, and to support sustainability, accessibility and inclusion. Projects include new tourism attractions, campground developments, incorporating Indigenous culture and language, accessibility improvements, and climate change adaptations.
