With one big wall already up, the Salishan Place by the River is taking shape fast in Fort 91原创.
Construction has been underway for some time on the new arts, culture, and heritage building, which is being built near the current 91原创 Centennial Museum and the Fort 91原创 National Historic Site.
When complete, Salishan will house a museum and cultural centre, a theatre, community archives, and even the Fort 91原创 Library. The project is in partnership with the Kwantlen First Nation.
The big wall structure on the north side is already up, and other walls will be going up soon, said Peter Tulumello, director of arts and culture for the Township.
鈥淪taff and volunteers at the 91原创 Centennial Museum are extremely excited that the new centre will be completed by the end of this year,鈥� said Tulumello 鈥淎s the building rises from the ground, people have been coming to the museum wanting to share their ideas about new programs, events and exhibits.鈥�
Public input opportunities are being planned for later this spring so that staff and others can share some ideas for animating the spaces.
It was expected that over the last weeks of January and into early February, contractors would be pouring concrete for the building鈥檚 parkade floor and the ramp to the entrance. Once that work is complete, the remaining walls will go up quickly.
The building鈥檚 outer shell will be completed by July 1, and the roof installed by the end of August, according to the Township鈥檚 schedule.
By January, 2023, staff will likely be moving in and working to get new exhibitions and programs ready for a start of July 1, 2023.
Several local corporate sponsors have donated large sums towards specific features of the building, including $100,000 towards an amphitheatre by Champs Fresh Farms of Aldergrove.
The Township is still seeking more corporate and community sponsors. Any interested company or group can contact the Township鈥檚 Arts, Culture and Community Initiatives division at artsinfo@tol.ca or at 604-533-6106 or visiting .
Have a story tip? Email: matthew.claxton@langleyadvancetimes.com
Like us on and follow us on .
