Published Date: 23/05/2018
PROVINCE INVESTS IN NEW FIRE ALARM SYSTEM FOR CENTENNIAL CONCERT HALL AND MANITOBA MUSEUM
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New System Reduces Maintenance Costs, Meets Latest Safety Codes: Friesen
Finance Minister Cameron Friesen announced today the Manitoba government’s latest investment in the Manitoba Centennial Centre (MCC), a $5-million commitment to upgrade the centre’s fire alarm system.
“For more than 50 years, the Centennial Centre has been a great source of pride to Manitobans,” said Friesen, who is responsible for central services. “This is a much needed investment to preserve these wonderful venues and ensure the safety of the many thousands of people who visit each year.”
The new fire alarm system is comprised of two systems networked together, one for the Centennial Concert Hall and one for the Manitoba Museum, and is designed to meet the latest building codes and standards.
Friesen noted the new system will replace the existing system that requires frequent servicing. It will reduce annual maintenance costs and comply with workplace health and safety provisions, he added.
“Today’s announcement is another great example of our government’s support for the arts and creative industries in Manitoba,” said Sport, Culture and Heritage Minister Cathy Cox. “The Centennial Centre is an important venue for so many wonderful productions and presentations, and we are delighted to help preserve it for Manitobans to enjoy for years to come.”
The minister confirmed the project has been awarded to McCaine Electric Ltd. Work is expected to begin in June and be completed late this year, she added.
“The Manitoba Centennial Centre Corporation (MCCC) welcomes the financial commitment Minister Friesen and the Province of Manitoba is making to replace the life safety systems of the centre,” said Karl Loepp, chair of the MCC board of directors. “This investment is one of the largest commitments made in recent memory and ensures Manitoba’s premier centre for the arts will continue to operate in a safe, efficient manner for the 950,000 patrons who attend events each year.”
In addition to today’s announcement, on May 12 the province announced a $1.4-million commitment to the Manitoba Museum’s Bringing Our Stories Forward capital renewal project, with another $3.6 million available if private donation targets are met. The Manitoba government also invested $4.2 million for the museum’s expansion and renovation of Alloway Hall, which reopened in March of 2017.
The MCC is a major arts, science and culture centre, which houses the Centennial Concert Hall, Planetarium and the Manitoba Museum. With seating for over 2,300 people, the Concert Hall is Manitoba’s premier performing arts facility and is home to the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, Manitoba Opera and Canada’s Royal Winnipeg Ballet. The Manitoba Museum is the largest, not-for-profit heritage and science centre in the province and is renowned for its vivid portrayal of Manitoba’s rich and colourful history.
For more information:
Public information, contact Manitoba Government Inquiry: 1-866-626-4862 or 204-945-3744.
Media requests for general information, contact Communications Services Manitoba: 204-945-3765.
Media requests for ministerial comment, contact Communications and Stakeholder Relations: 204-945-4916.
