Government funding underway for upgrades to Musqueam Elders Center in Vancouver – BC

The Canadian government and the Musqueam Indian Band announced Wednesday that infrastructure at the aging Musqueam Elders Center in Vancouver will soon be upgraded.

The building was originally constructed as the South Korean pavilion for Expo ’86 and has not been renovated since.

“I am pleased to be here to announce that our government is investing $134,895 to help upgrade the Musqueam Elder Centre,” said Joyce Murray, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard.

“It’s a center where I’ve had the privilege of visiting seniors and seeing what a busy place it is and how essential it is as a support link and social support.

Building windows, doors and heating are not up to recent codes.

“We have many gatherings of community elders and a health facility is there,” Musqueam Indian Band Chief Wayne Sparrow said.

“It’s all major infrastructure that was up to code in 1986 but may not be up to code in 2024.”

The upgrades are expected to reduce energy use by 62%, resulting in savings that can be redirected back to the community, according to the band.

The investment is being made through Canada’s Green and Inclusive Community Buildings program, which provides $1.5 billion over five years for “green and accessible renovations, repairs or upgrades to existing public community buildings.”

According to the government, at least 10% of the funds from this program are allocated to projects serving First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities.

It is not known when construction will begin. Global News has contacted the ministry and the group for more information regarding a timeline.

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