Maritime Museum of British Columbia completes restoration project

[CAWED]

DECEMBER 4, 1998

_MARITIME MUSEUM OF BRITISH COLUMBIA COMPLETES RESTORATION PROJECT_

_VICTORIA, B.C. – The Maritime Museum of British Columbia
officially opened its newly renovated main gallery today, marking the
completion of a $1.2 million restoration project funded through the
Canada/British Columbia Infrastructure Works Program._

The renovation of the 3,596 square foot main gallery was the final
phase of the six-stage project. The new permanent exhibits in the
gallery focus on the themes of maritime discovery, commerce and
adventure on the West Coast. Previously completed phases of the
project involved renovation of the museum gift shop and special
exhibition space on the main floor, and restoration of the heritage
building's historic court room.

"This project enhances the cultural richness of our community making
it another excellent example of the Healthy Community initiative
announced in April," said _Fisheries and Oceans Minister and Victoria
MP, David Anderson_, on behalf of _Ron J. Duhamel, Secretary of State
for Western Economic Diversification_ and minister responsible for
implementation of the infrastructure program in Western Canada.
"Tourists and Victorians alike have the opportunity to explore British
Columbia’s early history of ocean travel and adventure."

"The restoration of the Maritime Museum is an outstanding example of
how government and the community can work together to ensure that
heritage sites are preserved for future generations," said
_Victoria-Beacon Hill MLA Gretchen Mann Brewin_. "These new exhibit
spaces will educate and entertain both Victoria residents and the many
tourists who visit this extraordinary city each year."

"Our new exhibits combine the best of what our visitors have always
loved about the museum with some exciting new elements in a
dramatically-improved presentation format," said _Guy Mathias,
executive director of the Maritime Museum of B.C. _"This project has
really raised the museum to the level of a world-class facility that
Victoria residents can enjoy and be proud of."

The _Maritime Museum of B.C._ project was approved for funding in
April 1995 under _Phase 1 of the Canada/B.C. Infrastructure Works
Program_. This first phase funded more than 400 projects worth $675
million and created more than 9,000 jobs.

A top-up to the program was announced in April 1997 and combines
contributions from federal, provincial and local partners for a total
of more than $150 million. To date, $130 million of the top-up funding
has been invested in 190 projects, creating more than 1,800 jobs.

Provincial funding for the enhanced _Infrastructure Works Program_ is
coordinated by the _Ministry of Employment and Investment_ as part of
the provincial government’s three-year plan to create jobs,
reduce taxes and cut red tape.

Federal funding for this project was provided in the 1995 budget and
is therefore built into the existing fiscal framework. This
announcement is an example of how the federal government is
prioritizing its spending so it can better serve Canadians by making
efficient use of their tax dollars.