The relocation of a visiting family of four giant pandas from Toronto to Calgary in 2018 has local zoo officials renovating the building that will serve as the pandas' temporary home.

On Thursday morning, Alberta’s minister of culture and tourism announced the province would invest $10 million in the project as part of the Alberta Jobs Plan.

“We are very excited and honoured that China’s most beloved and iconic animals will call the Calgary Zoo their home away from home,” said Ricardo Miranda. “The Calgary Zoo is world-renowned and this expansion will help increase tourism, create jobs and contribute to a very important conservation program. This opportunity to host China’s national treasures reinforces Alberta’s strong and growing relationship with China.”

The construction phase of the upgrading project is expected to create nearly 200 jobs while the Calgay Zoo is expected to add 40 new jobs to assist with increased guest numbers.

“Work has already begun on a project that will not only ensure a healthy environment for our visiting pandas but an even more expansive, exciting and even more welcoming Calgary Zoo for those that will come to this city and province,” said Miranda.

According to the Calgary Zoo’s project profile, the redevelopment of the building in the Eurasia section of the zoo and the refurbishment of the swinging bridge that connects the area with the zoo’s prehistoric park carries an expected cost of $16.3 million.

Earlier this month, city councillors unanimously approved the Calgary Zoo’s request for $2 million in 2016 and $8.15 million in 2017.

The Calgary Zoological Society has allocated capital reserve funding to cover half of the project’s estimated cost.

“We are pleased the provincial government is supportive of this important tourism and conservation project,” said Andrew MacNair, Calgary Zoological Society’s chairman. “This is a shovel-ready project and we are able to start construction and put people to work as soon as the necessary permits are in place. This exhibit will also attract more visitors than ever to the Calgary Zoo, which means more opportunities to inspire people to act for conservation.”

The pandas are scheduled to arrive in Calgary in March 2018. After allowing the animals an opportunity to adjust to their new surroundings, the giant panda exhibit is scheduled to open to the public the following month.

The loan of the giant pandas from China is part of a conservation breeding program designed to ensure the species’ survival.