Heritage Park in Calgary, Canada, launched a CAN$50m (£24m, US$45m, 35m euro) fundraising campaign called It’s About Time in September to finance the expansion of the historical park’s heritage collection and allow it to open all year round.
The expansion plans at the 41-year-old park include creating a Heritage Market Square consisting of three all weather exhibits, a Gasoline Alley Exhibit Hall, a reconstruction of the Calgary Canadian Pacific Railway Station from 1893 and the Heritage Business Block operating themed business and retail outlets.
The new Gasoline Alley hall will be a 15,000sq ft (1,400sq m) transportation exhibit looking at developments in the oil and gas industry in the early 20th century. It will also include classroom and educational facilities, a themed restaurant with 50 indoor and 50 outdoor covers and banqueting facilities for up to 400 people.
Construction work has already begun, with the new areas set to open by 1 July 2008.
“We see ourselves as Western Canada’s primary steward of the great story of the settlement of the west and we take our responsibility to tell that story very seriously,” said Alida Visbach, general manager and chief operating officer at Heritage Park.
“We are excited about our new redevelopment plans and the opportunity we have to enhance our ability to ensure that the heritage message is an important part of the lives of future generations.
“By raising support and awareness for these new and exciting plans, the It’s About Time Campaign will solidify our position as one of the most outstanding heritage organisations in North America.”
The park has already secured CAN$38m (£18m, US$34m, 27m euro); receiving CAN$10m (£4.8m, US$9m, 7m euro) from the City of Calgary, CAN$12m (£5.7m, US$10.8m, 8.4m euro) from the Province of Alberta and CAN$3m (£1.4m, US$2.7m, 2.1m euro) from the government of Canada as well as other private donations. Details: www.heritagepark.ca
Photograph: Artist's impression of the new Heritage Market Square
