‘Long-overdue’: Culture minister calls for Royal B.C. Museum building upgrades

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WatchAfter announcing some exhibits would be shutting down to 'start the process of decolonization', B.C's Minister of Culture says the exterior of the Royal B.C. Museum's (RBCM) buildings are in need of an upgrade as well. Kori Sidaway has more.

After announcing some exhibits would be shutting down to ‘start the process of decolonization’, B.C’s Minister of Culture says the exterior of the Royal B.C. Museum’s (RBCM) buildings are in need of an upgrade as well.

“I think it’s overdue,” said Melanie Mark, Hli Haykwhl Ẃii X̱sgaak, B.C.’s minister of tourism, arts, culture, and sport. “As we uncover the risk, we realize there’s seismic risk to the building.”

Minister Mark says many of the museum’s building materials used do not meet modern safety standards, citing asbestos, and lack of accessibility as her main concerns.

But the seismic risks are nothing new.

In 2010 the earthquake concerns were identified to the previous Liberal government.

In 2017, Marks says Premier John Horgan mandated the modernization of the RBCM.

So why are the updates happening now?

“We need to make sure those irreplaceable archives are there for future generations,” said Marks.

Minister Mark says the RBCM now has a business case in front of the government right now, one she’s lobbying for, which presents options of location, scope, budget.

But until things are more certain, nothing is concrete, or able to be made public.

“I would be as transparent with the public as possible. As soon as I have information I will be sharing it with the public,” said Mark.

What we do know, is the new ‘state-of-the-art’ Royal B.C. Museum will be built with sustainability in mind, with a focus on increasing access digitally.

“I think we have a duty to share what’s on those shelves,” said Mark. “And that’s going to make it more accessible for kids that live in the capital region, to those who live up in the north.”

While the vision(s) for RBCM aren’t being shared with the public yet, Mark promises a ‘world-class project’.

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Kori SidawayKori Sidaway

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