Province to reveal business case for new Royal B.C. Museum
The British Columbia government says it will release its business case for a new Royal B.C. Museum next week in response to concerns about the province's $789-million plan.
The province revealed its plan to tear down and rebuild the museum at its current location next to the B.C. legislature last Friday.
The announcement touched off criticism that the nearly $800 million could be better spent elsewhere, including to help tackle housing affordability and the shortage of family doctors in B.C.
The province has not revealed any preliminary designs or accounting plans for the project.
Tourism Minister Melanie Mark said in a statement Thursday the province will release its business case for the museum redevelopment on May 25.
In a news conference Thursday, Premier John Horgan said the museum announcement "was not characterized appropriately" and that caused "hard feelings," including among people who have called his constituency office.
The premier said the release of the business plan "is not traditional in these circumstances, but the case is so compelling, I think British Columbians deserve to have a look at it before we get into the procurement process."
The current museum, which is seismically unsound and contains asbestos, will close its doors in September to allow for the construction of the new building to begin.
The museum will offer travelling exhibitions and satellite displays around the province before the new museum is expected to open in 2030.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Iran fires air defence batteries in provinces as explosions heard near Isfahan
Iran fired air defence batteries early Friday morning as explosions could be heard near a major air base near Isfahan, raising fears of a possible Israeli strike following Tehran's unprecedented drone-and-missile assault on the country.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.