Canadian Design and Construction Report staff writer
A $204.8-million contract has been awarded to Maple Reinders Constructors Ltd. for the design and construction of the Royal BC Museum’s (RBCM) collections and research building in Colwood, B.C. Total capital project costs for the building are estimated at more than $270 million.
“We are humbled to have been chosen to design and construct this important cultural facility,” said Reuben Scholtens, vice president of Major Projects at the Maple Reinders Group. “Our team is committed to delivering a world-class facility that will not only serve as a community and learning hub but will reflect and pay respect to the deep cultural connections the local Indigenous peoples have to the place where the facility will stand.
“There is a vibrant and compelling story to be told and we are enthused at the prospect of being able to assist in its telling.”
Construction will begin this summer.
“Our government is committed to protecting our province’s history today and for future generations,” said Lana Popham, minister of tourism, arts, culture and sport. “We look forward to working with Maple Reinders, the Songhees and Esquimalt First Nations, and the City of Colwood on this historic new building.”
The new 163,611 sq. ft. mass timber building will house the collections, BC Archives and research departments.
“Alongside the safe and modern storage of the collections and provincial records, the CRB will be a dynamic and welcoming community space,” said Alicia Dubois, CEO, Royal BC Museum. “We are thrilled with the design Maple Reinders has proposed and the alignment of our organizational values.
“We hope to inspire future paleontologists, entomologists, botanists and historians through greater learning opportunities by enhancing public access to our work.”
Maple Reinders Constructors Ltd. is recognized for delivering complex and sustainable projects across Canada for more than 55 years and is partnered with Michael Green Architecture Inc., a British Columbia firm experienced in creating spaces that are sustainably built.
It is expected that ground will be broken in summer 2023 with an expected public opening in summer 2026.
“The Songhees Nation looks forward to partnering with the Royal BC Museum and the Province in the development of the new collections and research building project on lək̓ʷəŋən Territory. As one of the host Nations for this important public building, we look forward to providing guidance and direction in the design, workers and contractors for the construction,” said Chief Ron Sam, Songhees First Nation.
“This project will be a valuable resource for many generations to come and highlights the need for collaboration while building respectful relationships between Indigenous communities and museums.”
