Debates of May 26, 2005 (day 2)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my questions today are for the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment and it goes back to my Member’s statement from earlier today. From a tourism standpoint, I find it very disturbing that the renovations are taking so long at the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre. One of the things the North oftentimes gets criticized for is the lack of product here in the Northwest Territories for tourists to take in and have what I feel is the cornerstone of the tourism products here unavailable for public viewing for the length of time it’s been unavailable. Of the four main galleries that make up the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre, the north, south and Aviation are what I would deem the northern component to the facility. I’m wondering why the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre would have all three of the main galleries closed at the same time. The only gallery that remains open is the feature gallery, which entertains rotating exhibits from around the country. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Ramsay. The honourable Minister of Education, Culture and Employment, Mr. Dent.

Return To Question 16-15(4): Prince Of Wales Northern Heritage Centre Renovations

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, Mr. Ramsay unfortunately must have hit the facility on a day when there was a significant amount of transition. It is true that a good portion of the facility is disrupted because of the ongoing renovations, but right now the Fox Moth gallery is again open, as is the feature gallery and the mezzanine gallery. The plan is that in June the auditorium will open and will feature videos throughout the summer. The north gallery will open with a photo exhibit from NWT mining, celebrating with an exhibit that’s been sponsored or brought forward by the mining society. The feature gallery will have an interactive cyber explorers' exhibit and the mezzanine gallery will have an exhibit of Tlicho archival photographs. So while the renovations are underway, we are going to attempt to have a good portion of the facility open and available for northern visitors. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Dent. Supplementary, Mr. Ramsay.

Supplementary To Question 16-15(4): Prince Of Wales Northern Heritage Centre Renovations

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’m glad to hear the Minister say that some of the renovation work is going to get done and some of the galleries are going to open this summer, because, as I mentioned in my Member’s statement, we are going to get a great deal of traffic through the capital city here in the summer months with the AFN being here and the increase in road traffic. So I’m glad to hear the Minister is paying attention to that. I’m wondering if the Minister could let us know when he expects all the renovations to be completed at the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre. Like I mentioned earlier, it’s having an impact on the staff and visitors alike. So I’d like to know when he expects it all to be completed. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Ramsay. Mr. Dent.

Further Return To Question 16-15(4): Prince Of Wales Northern Heritage Centre Renovations

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The total project is expected to be completed in 2006. The permanent display will open in the north gallery in the summer of 2006 and the permanent display will open in the south gallery in the summer of 2007. In 2006, the south gallery will house a travelling exhibit of Dene artefacts from the Royal Scottish Museum. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.