Press Releases Archives

For immediate release
14 March 2008

Canada Aviation Museum Announces Capital Improvement Project

Ottawa—The Board of Trustees of the Canada Science and Technology Museum Corporation is pleased to announce the upcoming improvements to the Canada Aviation Museum. This project, to renovate and extend the Museum’s existing building at the historic Rockcliffe site in Ottawa, will be completed by the end of 2009, the centennial year of the first powered flight in Canada. The improvements will include a renovated main entrance, as well as new classrooms and a multi-purpose auditorium.

“After completing a competitive selection process, the Corporation is confident that we have chosen the best professional team to meet our unique needs and enable us to provide a better service to the public.” stated Mr. Anthony Smyth, Director General, Canada Aviation Museum.

The professional team is headed by COLE+Associates Architects Inc., in association with Reich + Petch Architects, who will bring a unique combination of experience and vision to the project. They have assembled a team of consultants of the highest calibre to see each aspect through to completion, including: Goodkey Weedmark and Associates Ltd., Cleland Jardine Engineering Ltd., Brook Van Dalen & Associates Ltd., Lashley and Associates, Trow Associates Inc., Martin Conboy Lighting Design Inc./Peter Sutcliffe Acoustics and Marshall & Murray Inc.

David Cole says: “COLE+Associates Architects Inc. are delighted to have been awarded this prestigious project and look forward to creating an exceptional new entrance experience as well as auditorium and classroom space. We have included on our project team Reich + Petch, who are renowned for their exhibit design, as well as Martin Conboy Lighting Design, specialists in acoustics and lighting design. The existing building is a world-class structure deserving of a thoughtful design approach. Our goal is to create the “WOW” factor upon arrival that will excite visitors and attract an even greater population to enjoy these aviation treasures.”

This project, for which one-time construction funding of $3.5 million was identified by the Federal Government in December 2006 as part of its Program Integrity and Priority Investments initiatives, addresses key issues that were impeding the Museum’s ability to fully meet its mandate. The program includes construction of two state-of-the-art classrooms, increased retail space; and the construction of a multi-purpose auditorium. Included in the project are also various site improvements to ameliorate public access to the Museum.

The Canada Aviation Museum deals with the complete sweep of Canada’s aviation heritage—from the pioneer era to the modern jet age, both in peace and in war. As one of the finest such museums in the world, its collection tells the story of mankind’s ancient dream of flight and the significant part played by hundreds of thousands of Canadians.

-30-

General information:
613 993-2010 or 1 800 463-2038

Media Contact:
Christina Lucas
Communications & Marketing Chief
613 993-4243 or 613 447-7631
clucas@technomuses.ca