Province pledges $9.5M to Telus Spark in yet-to-be-passed budget plan

The provincial funds, which will be allocated if the budget 2023 capital plan passes, would be distributed to the Telus Spark Science Centre over three years.

The government of Alberta has announced $9.5 million in funding for the Telus Spark Science Centre in Calgary to promote educational programing including Indigenous teachings.

The funds, which will be allocated if the budget 2023 capital plan passes, would be distributed over three years.

"Spark is thankful for the government of Alberta's and (Culture) Minister (Jason) Luan's generous support of the Keep Calgary Curious campaign, which would support the continued transformation of the science centre into a global leader in science entertainment and STEM education," said Roderick Tate, Telus Spark Science Centre CEO, in a statement.

"The funding would be used to reimagine the centre's spaces to make them more accessible and inclusive, and to develop engaging science programming that inspires curiosity and helps solve the challenges of tomorrow for people in Calgary, Alberta and beyond."

Tate said the funding would go toward three key areas:

• Building re-imagined spaces;
• Delivering new innovative and inspired programs; and
• Cultivating science that’s welcoming to all.

A release issued later Monday afternoon by Telus Spark said it "will transform into one of the world's leading science experiences—inspiring and delighting visitors of all ages, means and abilities on a whole new level, to increase their affinity with science, supercharge their curiosity and maybe even change the course of their lives."

According to the province, the project would include the renovation of three major exhibit halls, the creation of a new school group entrance and energy-efficient upgrades.