For a long time, the old Royal Alberta Museum in Edmonton has been sitting empty, and no one was quite sure what would happen to it…until now.
The museum is finally being dusted off, but not because it’s getting a facelift. The Alberta government has announced plans to turn the site into a new green space instead.
“A new, welcoming green space in place of the former museum will add to the serenity of Government House and Edmonton’s river valley,” stated Tanya Fir, the Minister of Arts, Culture, and Status of Women, in a news release.
Australian Raymond O. Harrison built the Royal Alberta Museum which initially opened in 1967 as the Provincial Museum and Archives of Alberta.
Harrison was hired and given five million dollars and three years to find a site, construct the museum, hire staff, build collections, and prepare exhibits to fill the 4,000-square-metre building.
It became a place in Edmonton where people could learn about our province’s rich history, culture, and natural environment.
Over the years, the museum’s collections grew.
In 2005, it was renamed the Royal Alberta Museum in honour of Queen Elizabeth II, who visited the museum that spring.
The museum was a favourite spot for many Albertans, offering exhibits, including Australian Aboriginal Art, Japanese Kites, Mammals of Alberta, and many other popular exhibits.
In 2018, the museum moved to a new, larger building in downtown Edmonton, where it continues to serve as a vibrant hub of learning and exploration for visitors of all ages.
The original building, however, has remained empty since 2015.
Now, with the government’s new plan, it will be transformed into a beautiful green space for the community to enjoy.
While the old building will be removed, the nearby Government House and Carriage House, which are still used for ceremonial events, conferences, and meetings, will stay.
“The old Royal Alberta Museum building has been a part of our province for decades, and we know many Albertans have happy memories and sentimental stories from visits there,” Pete Guthrie, the Minister of Infrastructure, told Global News.
Making History From History
Before the plan proceeds, the provincial government wants to hear from the public. They have a survey on their website where people can share their input for the new park.
The survey is open until August 30. The government also talks to Indigenous communities to ensure the park reflects everyone’s needs and values.
Tearing down the old museum will cost between $22 million and $48 million ensuring the building is safe to demolish and to deal with environmental concerns.
If the government had decided to keep the building and use it for something else, it would have cost at least $150 million to update the structure, so turning it into a park is a more affordable option.
Currently, the government spends over $700,000 yearly to maintain the empty building, so according to Guthrie, creating a park would be a better use of resources.
Economics aside, green spaces have been proven to have many mental health and environmental benefits.
A study published in Environmental Science & Technology found that spending just 20 minutes in a park can significantly improve mood and mental health.
The study also found that people who live near a green space are less likely to struggle with mental health issues.
Green spaces also help reduce air pollution, improve air quality, and even lower temperatures in urban areas.
Trees and plants in parks absorb carbon pollution and release oxygen, making the air cleaner and healthier to breathe.
According to a study by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, urban green spaces can lower temperatures in cities by up to 5ºC.
The global temperature continues to rise due to a changing climate.
Green spaces help keep our cities cool, which is especially important considering that cities warm about 30 percent faster than rural areas.
The government’s choice to turn the old Royal Alberta Museum into a green space is a wise investment in our environment and mental health.
