B.C. backs Science World with $10.5M

The British Columbia government is giving Science World BC $10.5 million for upgrades and a new outdoor science park, Economic DevelopmentMinister Ida Chong said Monday.

Locatedclose to downtown Vancouver on False Creek, the building dates from Expo86 and needs substantial upgrades to remain usable, the minister said in a news release.

Science World, a non-profit organization which promotes science and technology through itsVancouver site and also through an outreach program in B.C., is planning a 7,803-square-metre park to explore science and sustainability, including ideas such as clean energy, earth science and water stewardship.

"It's going to make learning about environmental sustainability exciting and meaningful for our visitors," said Bryan Tisdall, president and CEO of Science World.

After Expo, the site became Science World, opening in1989.

It attracts more than 525,000 visitors annually, as well as reaching more than 180,000 children, educators and parents a yearthrough its outreach program.