Royal BC Museum Replacement

A business case released by the provincial government outlines its choice to replace the Royal B-C Museum for nearly 800-million dollars after looking at five options, including a more costly renovation of the existing building. Tourism Minister Melanie Mark says she hopes the information shows the public that there’s a risk to doing nothing with the existing building — which is not seismically safe, contains hazardous materials and is at risk of flooding. Adam Olsen, the B-C Green Party representative for Saanich North and the Islands, says he was thankful to see the business case — but the N-D-P government has yet to justify why the museum is a priority when people are struggling with the rising costs of living and accessing health-care services. Olsen also says the government has framed the museum as an act of reconciliation and an opportunity for more items to be returned to Indigenous communities, but the business case does not show how a new building will do more for Indigenous Peoples.