Peninsula Daily News news sources
VICTORIA — The Royal British Columbia Museum, just two blocks east of the MV Coho ferry dock, expects to unveil a new master plan by next September and finish a major redevelopment of its 6.6-acre property in time for Canada’s sesquicentennial in 2017.
No costs or plans are in place on the project, although new zoning would permit towers of 12 stories and 14 stories — and some existing buildings that now house such features as the National Geographic IMAX theater might come down.
Museum officials told reporters in Victoria that the goal is to consolidate operations and better preserve collections and archives while enhancing the visitor experience.
Angela Williams, director of business and operational services, said federal and provincial governments will be approached on financing, and a fundraising campaign is planned.
Williams is hoping for cross-Canada support for the endeavor.
The master plan plays a key role.
“It will help us create all of the documents and all of the information we need to cost out this proposal,” Williams told reporters earlier this week.
The Victoria City Council approved a comprehensive rezoning plan in 2011 for the museum’s property at Belleville and Government streets. The ferry landing for the MV Coho from Port Angeles is about two blocks west on Belleville Street.
The museum is one of Victoria’s premiere tourist attractions, bringing in between 300,000 and 350,000 visitors a year.
The museum is currently housed in a six-story building and 14-story structure.
