PROVINCE INVESTS IN NEW FIRE ALARM SYSTEM FOR CENTENNIAL CONCERT HALL AND MANITOBA MUSEUM
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\nNew System Reduces Maintenance Costs, Meets Latest Safety Codes: Friesen<\/p>\n
Finance Minister Cameron Friesen announced today the Manitoba government\u2019s latest investment in the Manitoba Centennial Centre (MCC), a $5-million commitment to upgrade the centre\u2019s fire alarm system.<\/p>\n
\u201cFor more than 50 years, the Centennial Centre has been a great source of pride to Manitobans,\u201d said Friesen, who is responsible for central services.\u00a0 \u201cThis is a much needed investment to preserve these wonderful venues and ensure the safety of the many thousands of people who visit each year.\u201d<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Friesen noted the new system will replace the existing system that requires frequent servicing.\u00a0 It will reduce annual maintenance costs and comply with workplace health and safety provisions, he added.<\/p>\n
\u201cToday\u2019s announcement is another great example of our government\u2019s support for the arts and creative industries in Manitoba,\u201d said Sport, Culture and Heritage Minister Cathy Cox.\u00a0 \u201cThe 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
The minister confirmed the project has been awarded to McCaine Electric Ltd.\u00a0 Work is expected to begin in June and be completed late this year, she added.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe 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,\u201d said Karl Loepp, chair of the MCC board of directors.\u00a0 \u201cThis investment is one of the largest commitments made in recent memory and ensures Manitoba\u2019s premier centre for the arts will continue to operate in a safe, efficient manner for the 950,000 patrons who attend events each year.\u201d<\/p>\n
In addition to today\u2019s announcement, on May 12 the province announced a $1.4-million commitment to the Manitoba Museum\u2019s Bringing Our Stories Forward capital renewal project, with another $3.6 million available if private donation targets are met.\u00a0 The Manitoba government also invested $4.2 million for the museum\u2019s expansion and renovation of Alloway Hall, which reopened in March of 2017.<\/p>\n
The MCC is a major arts, science and culture centre, which houses the Centennial Concert Hall, Planetarium and the Manitoba Museum.\u00a0 With seating for over 2,300 people, the Concert Hall is Manitoba\u2019s premier performing arts facility and is home to the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, Manitoba Opera and Canada\u2019s Royal Winnipeg Ballet.\u00a0 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\u2019s rich and colourful history.<\/p>\n