March 31, 2011
Selinger Announces $450,000 Grant for Renovations to Brandon's Historic Domed Exhibition Building
BRANDON--Renovations to Brandon’s historic domed exhibition building located on the Keystone Centre grounds will continue thanks to a $450,000 provincial grant being provided through the Rural Economic Development Initiative (REDI), Premier Greg Selinger announced here today at the Royal Manitoba Winter Fair.
“This building is a cultural treasure that holds historical significance to Manitoba’s agricultural heritage,” said Selinger. “I’m proud to work with the Provincial Exhibition of Manitoba to help maintain this landmark for Manitoba families.”
The restoration project will see the interior and exterior of the building refurbished. Development plans include constructing new offices for the Provincial Exhibition, Manitoba 4‑H Council and Manitoba Agricultural Hall of Fame, and education, classroom and interpretive museum space for displays and programs.
“This support from the Province of Manitoba has come at the perfect time! We just announced the kickoff of our capital campaign on Tuesday,” said Neil Thomson, president of the Provincial Exhibition of Manitoba. “This contribution demonstrates the province’s confidence in our project and adds to the momentum we need to succeed. We’re very grateful.”
The premier noted the Provincial Exhibition of Manitoba was established in Brandon in 1882. The famous domed agricultural display building known as Display Building #2 was built in 1913 for the national Dominion Fair that was hosted by the exhibition. The building was designated a provincial heritage site in 1984 and, more recently, was recognized by Parks Canada as an honorary national historic site.
Traditionally, the displays and events held in the building have played an important role in helping to educate Manitobans and visitors about all aspects of agriculture and rural life. Restoring it will ensure this aspect of promoting agriculture awareness will continue to enhance and highlight the valuable contribution agriculture makes in rural communities, said the premier.
The Royal Manitoba Winter Fair, one of the three fairs hosted by the provincial exhibition, is the only fair in Western Canada with a royal designation. It is one of Manitoba's oldest and most outstanding events drawing thousands of visitors each year and celebrating excellence in all sectors of the agricultural industry, Selinger added.
Artist’s representations of the domed building before and after renovations can be found at:
www.gov.mb.ca/asset_library/en/newslinks/2010/DisplayBuilding2Before.jpgand
www.gov.mb.ca/asset_library/en/newslinks/2010/DisplayBuilding2After.jpg.
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