Province Invests in Learning, Innovation
Nova Scotians and tourists will have more opportunities to discover science thanks to an investment from the province.
Nova Scotia will provide $700,000 to support the Discovery Centre's move to and expansion at the new Nova Scotia Power complex on Lower Water Street, Premier Darrell Dexter announced today, March 4.
"By supporting the Discovery Centre's move, the province is helping to support innovation and hands-on learning," said Premier Dexter. "These are key aspects of jobsHere, our plan to grow the economy, and this investment ensure that the Discovery Centre continues to promote science and inspire the minds of future generations."
The funding will be provided over three years through the Department of Economic and Rural Development and Tourism.
"A new waterfront location will make the Discovery Centre one of Canada's most unique visitor experiences and a centre of excellence for informal and experiential science education for all Nova Scotians," said Dov Bercovici, president and CEO, Discovery Centre. "We are grateful to the province of Nova Scotia, one of our founding partners 26 years ago, for funding that will enable us to transition to the new location by 2013."
The Discovery Centre will move from Barrington Street to its new facility in 2013. The 40,000-square-foot location will allow expansion, improved layout and better visitor amenities, including accessibility.
"The young minds we engage in science today will be the researchers and engineers who devise solutions for our future needs as a society, including our energy needs," said Rob Bennett, president and CEO of Nova Scotia Power. "We want our new offices to be an active, inviting part of the community, and Discovery Centre is a perfect fit."
Nova Scotia Power is providing $8.5 million in support, including free rent space for 25 years.
"The Discovery Centre provides students with invaluable learning experiences, inspiring and challenging them to participate in science through hands-on activities," said Brian Ellenberger, principal of Southdale-North Woodside School in Dartmouth. "It's wonderful to see government and business working together to support such a fantastic organization as it continues to foster the educational growth of youth in Nova Scotia. I am looking forward to taking my students to the new location."
More than 80,000 people visited the Discovery Centre last year, and staff visited 25,000 students in classrooms as part of its Science on the Road program.
jobsHere is the provincial economic growth plan to strengthen Nova Scotia's workforce with the right skills for good jobs, increase productivity and advance global competitiveness to grow the economy and make life better for families.
Information on Nova Scotia Power's new environmentally sustainable waterfront location can be found at www.nspower.ca/community/lowerwaterstreet .