Media Release

For immediate release
November 15, 2006

Alberta Government funding will boost creativity
and leadership at Banff Centre

Conceptual drawing of learning centre
Graphic courtesy Diamond and Schmitt

A $27 million investment by the Province of Alberta in The Banff Centre Revitalization Project will enable the Centre to continue to inspire creativity and foster leadership for Albertans and Canadians. Alberta Advanced Education made the $27 million announcement today as part of $162 million in additional capital support announced for post-secondary institutions.

“This significant investment by the Province of Alberta acknowledges the essential role that The Banff Centre plays in supporting creativity in Alberta and beyond,” says Philip Ponting, chair of the Centre’s Board of Governors. “The Banff Centre appreciates the confidence that the Government of Alberta has shown through its investment in our programs and the Revitalization project. In particular, I would like to acknowledgement the leadership and support of Advanced Education Minister Denis Herard and Infrastructure Minister Ty Lund.”

Banff Centre Revitalization includes a $20-million increase in program and scholarship endowments, a learning centre, library and creative commons, outdoor performance spaces, new facilities for program support and administration, a dining centre, and campus greening projects.

“This project will create multi-disciplinary facilities that will enable some of the most intensive and innovative learning experiences in the world,” says Centre president and CEO Mary Hofstetter. “As the Centre prepares to celebrate its 75th anniversary, this investment recognizes that The Banff Centre is a unique institution — one that fuels creativity, drives economic growth, and enhances the quality of life which defines the Alberta Advantage.”

A facilities condition study completed by Alberta Infrastructure in 2001 identified that significant capital investment was required at The Banff Centre. Classroom facilities, performance spaces, administrative and accommodation buildings, and grounds were all earmarked as requiring major re-investment. In April 2004, Alberta Infrastructure contributed $23 million to the first phase of the Revitalization project.

The Banff Centre is a globally respected arts, cultural, and educational institution and conference facility. An integral part of Alberta’s post-secondary educational system, the Centre is also designated as a national arts training institution by the Government of Canada. It provides professional development and learning programs for artists, researchers, the mountain community, and environmental, business, and community leaders from Alberta, Canada, and around the world.

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A downloadable image of a conceptual drawing of the learning centre is available.

Additional images of The Banff Centre are available.