Canada and Vancouver announce new visitors centre at VanDusen Botanical Garden - Stimulus funding will create jobs, stimulate regional economy

From left: Robin Adair, General Manager Intergovernmental Relations and Strategic Partnerships for the City of Vancouver, Aaron Jasper, Chair of the Vancouver Park Board, Andrew Saxton, Member of Parliament for North Vancouver and Harry Jongerden, VanDusen Botanical Garden Director at the announcement of the $6.35 million Federal Government Infrastructure Grant for the new Visitors Centre for the Garden. 

December 17, 2009 - Andrew Saxton, Member of Parliament for North Vancouver, Park Board Chair Aaron Jasper, Harry Jongerden, VanDusen Botanical Garden Director and Robin Adair, General Manager Intergovernmental Relations and Strategic Partnerships for the City of Vancouver on behalf of the Mayor of Vancouver, today announced funding for a new visitor centre at the VanDusen Botanical Garden.

"Under the leadership of Prime Minister Stephen Harper, our Government is investing in infrastructure that will stimulate the economy and create jobs," said MP Saxton. "VanDusen Gardens is a Vancouver gem, and this important redevelopment will ensure that it continues to provide an inspiring and enjoyable environment for all visitors and tourists alike."

"We are very grateful to the Federal Government for helping us get the shovel in the ground and move this project forward to completion. This fabulous new visitor centre will showcase our City's commitment to being a world leader in the design and construction of green buildings and support the garden's ongoing work in biodiversity, plant conservation and environmental education," added Mr. Jasper.

"We're thrilled that the Federal Government has recognized the important work being done by botanical gardens. At a time when climate change poses such a great threat to many species and ecosystems, the role we can play has never been more important," said Mr. Jongerden.

This project involves redeveloping the visitor, educational and administrative facilities at the VanDusen Botanical Garden.

Both the Government of Canada and the City of Vancouver are each investing $6.4 million in the new visitor's centre. The VanDusen Botanical Garden Association is contributing $4.7 million, and the Province of British Columbia previously announced a $2 million commitment to the project.

The Government of Canada's 2009 Economic Action Plan includes an array of initiatives, including the $4-billion Infrastructure Stimulus Fund. To date, the province of British Columbia has received over $430 million in federal funding under the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund.

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News release (English)
News release (French)

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1. VanDusen Botanical Garden view from bridge.jpg	2. VanDusen Botanical Garden north elevation.jpg	3. VanDusen Botanical Garden interior.jpg
4. VanDusen Botanical Garden entry.jpg	5. VanDusen Botanical Garden entry.jpg	6. VanDusen Botanical Garden east elevation.jpg

Contact:
James Kusie
Director of Issues Management
Office of Canada's Transport and Infrastructure Minister
613-991-0700

Infrastructure Canada
613-948-1148

Carol DeFina
Communciations Coordinator
Vancouver Park Board
604-257-8440

Nancy Wong
Marketing Director
VanDusen Botanical Garden Association
604-257-8670

www.vancouverparks.ca

The Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation maintains 220 parks and 40 major facilities throughout the City of Vancouver. The Park Board's mission is to provide, preserve and advocate for parks and recreation services to benefit people, communities and the environment.