Saskatchewan Science Centre to get multi-million-dollar spruce-up

Millions of dollars are about to be spent on renovating the Saskatchewan Science Centre, bringing what its CEO calls a “refreshing look to the facility.”

Sandy Baumgartner said between the provincial and federal governments, the centre will receive more than $2 million in funding.

“The science centre, as many in Regina may know, is 32 years old and there’s a lot of infrastructure that needs replacing. (It’s) old and dated,” she said during Wednesday’s Greg Morgan Morning Show.

Renovation work can start right away on things like new flooring and bathrooms. Other areas that will get a remodel include the front entrance and ticket kiosk, along with the IMAX Theatre concession and box office areas.

Other projects will take longer to unfold.

“Over the next couple of years, we plan to restore, to renovate and introduce new exhibits in the entire space,” said Baumgartner.

Initial work will focus on the agriculture exhibit, Ag-grow-land. She said changes and additions will come to Wild! Saskatchewan, the nature and environment gallery. As well, the Building Connections exhibit will have some work done to it.

“People like to have something new and different all the time, so having that newness, that freshness and bringing new experiences to the community will absolutely help,” she said.

The science centre has to raise more than $750,000 itself towards the project.

The facility has been temporarily closed because of COVID-19. Baumgartner hopes it can reopen sometime in June during Step One of the province’s reopening plan.