WINNIPEG, MAN. – The government of Canada announced it will put $8.8 million in funding towards a new two-storey building to accommodate artifacts from the Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada.
A new 86,000 sq ft structure will be built to accommodate current and future spaces with public access to classrooms, a library, special exhibitions and galleries, as well as a second-storey observation deck to view the aircraft runway and main display space on the first floor.
“Cultural institutions play a key role in developing dynamic communities that celebrate Canada’s diverse heritage and ingenuity. The Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada’s new facility will provide a gathering place for the community and will help to attract more visitors every year. Our government is proud to be investing in projects that preserve culture, spark curiosity and bring people together, while contributing to economic growth and community development,” federal Minister of International Trade Diversification Jim Carr said.
The museum has one of the most significant collections of bush aircraft in the world along with military, private and commercial aircraft and many aviation artifacts.
“This museum tells the story of a truly Canadian adventure: bush flying to some of the most remote, rugged and beautiful areas of our great country. I am proud to announce the Government of Canada’s support for the construction of this new museum in Winnipeg, and I look forward to visiting the space once construction is complete,” Charleswood–St. James–Assiniboia–Headingley MP Doug Eyolfson added.
Federal funding comes through the New Building Canada Fund – Provincial-Territorial Infrastructure Component – National and Regional Projects. The Canadian Heritage’s Canada Cultural Spaces Fund funded $1.2 million for the project in October 2016.
“This is an extraordinary day in Canada’s aviation history. With this investment in our community, and partnering with hundreds of local donors and volunteers, the Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada is soaring to new heights. More than 40 years ago a small group of visionaries committed to preserve this distinct aviation heritage for all Canadians. We will soon begin the construction of an aviation adventure and signature attraction to house this world class collection of pioneering aircraft as a beacon of inspiration and learning for generations to come,” Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada president and CEO Terry Slobodian said.
The museum will also receive $10 million from the province of Manitoba and additional funding from the City of Winnipeg, with the museum using fundraising to cover remaining costs.
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