Vancouver Art Gallery’s new building costs surge from $400m to $600m, prompting a redesign.

The Vancouver Art Gallery Faces Rising Construction Costs for New Home

The Vancouver Art Gallery has encountered challenges in the construction of its new home, with costs escalating from an initial estimate of $400 million to $600 million. The spike in construction costs, reportedly up to 60% between 2020 and 2024, has necessitated a redesign of the project near Cambie and West Georgia streets in downtown Vancouver.

In response to these cost increases, the art gallery is revising the timeline for completion, originally set for 2028. Alongside redesigning the project, efforts are being made to create a multi-faceted cultural hub that will benefit the province and Canada as a whole.

Despite the financial challenges, the art gallery has managed to secure over $350 million in funding and has already completed the first stage of pre-construction, which began in March. While fundraising efforts will continue, there will be a pause in construction activity as the necessary revisions are made.

The current design for the new Vancouver Art Gallery, envisioned by Swiss architectural firm Herzog & de Meuron, features a nine-level tower constructed with wood and glass, enveloped by a striking facade of thin copper.

While facing setbacks due to rising construction costs, the Vancouver Art Gallery remains committed to realizing its vision for a new cultural landmark. Stay tuned for further updates on this exciting project.

@2024 THE CANADIAN PRESS

Source link

B.C. declares flood warning, issues watches following river blockage from landslide, prompting evacuations

The recent landslide blocking the Chilcotin River in British Columbia’s Interior has led to a flood warning being issued for the area. The Ministry of Land and Water is conducting assessments to understand the risks that may exist downstream, particularly along the Fraser River. A sudden release of water could cause rapid rises in river levels downstream to Hope, B.C.

Evacuation orders covering 107 kilometers along both sides of the Chilcotin River are in place, with 60 properties and 12 homes affected. The Ministry of Emergency Management is working with communities to coordinate operations, utilizing air support from the BC Wildfire Service for assessments and search and rescue efforts.

In the event of flooding, the province is prepared to take additional actions to keep people and communities safe, such as deploying sandbags, sandbag machines, gabions, and tiger dams to communities if needed. It is crucial for residents in the affected areas to stay informed and follow any evacuation orders or safety instructions provided by local authorities.

The situation is being closely monitored, and updates will be provided as new information becomes available. It is essential for residents to remain vigilant and prepared for potential flooding and to prioritize their safety and well-being during this challenging time.

©2024 The Canadian Press.

Source link

Tridel’s Bank Information Exposed on City of Toronto Website, Prompting Investigation

In a shocking turn of events, Tridel, one of Canada’s leading condo builders, recently had its banking information inadvertently exposed on a City of Toronto website. This breach of privacy has sparked an investigation to determine how such sensitive information was made public.

The incident occurred a few months ago when Tridel’s bank account details, including account number, branch number, and transit number, were posted on the City of Toronto’s online Application Information Centre. This platform is designed to provide transparent information on various development applications and planning processes within the city.

Upon discovering the unauthorized disclosure, Tridel promptly notified city officials who quickly took action to remove the financial information from the website. Russell Baker, media relations manager at the City of Toronto, confirmed the incident and reassured the public that an internal investigation is currently underway to address the issue.

While the exact duration of the banking information being visible online remains unclear, this incident serves as a reminder of the importance of safeguarding sensitive data in today’s digital age. As businesses and organizations increasingly rely on online platforms for information sharing, rigorous security measures must be in place to prevent such breaches from occurring.

Moving forward, it is crucial for companies to conduct regular audits of their online presence and ensure that all sensitive information is properly protected. By implementing robust cybersecurity protocols and staying vigilant against potential threats, organizations can mitigate the risk of unauthorized data exposure and uphold their commitment to safeguarding confidential information.

In conclusion, the inadvertent exposure of Tridel’s banking information highlights the need for enhanced data security measures in the digital landscape. This incident underscores the importance of proactive risk management and serves as a cautionary tale for businesses to prioritize data protection in an era where privacy breaches are an ever-present threat.

Source link

Wildfire in Manitoba Spreads Rapidly, Prompting Urgent Evacuation

The recent wildfire in northwest Manitoba has caused the evacuation of 550 residents as crews work tirelessly to combat the blaze. The fire near Cranberry Portage was fueled by strong winds over the weekend, spreading rapidly and coming within 1.5 kilometers of the community. The main highway in the area was closed, and rail service was cancelled to ensure safety.

Despite the challenging conditions, the fire has been held at over 300 square kilometers with no further encroachment towards Cranberry Portage. According to Earl Simmons, the province’s wildfire director, the fire was ignited by lightning and exacerbated by dry weather conditions and strong winds, leading to unprecedented growth rates.

Simmons, who has worked in wildfire management for four decades, expressed astonishment at the fire’s rapid expansion, stating that it moved at remarkable speeds. The municipal emergency co-ordinator, Lori Forbes, described the frightening sight of the fast-moving flames, indicating the urgency of the situation.

The impact of the wildfire extended as far as Winnipeg, where smoky air was evident, highlighting the widespread reach of the blaze. While no significant damage has been reported, the fire remains uncontrolled, with Simmons cautioning that it could take weeks to fully contain.

Fortunately, all residents have been safely evacuated from the area, receiving support from local communities with accommodation and food arrangements. The coordinated efforts of emergency responders and the resilience of the affected communities have been commendable in the face of this natural disaster.

As the situation unfolds, authorities are working tirelessly to manage the wildfire and ensure the safety of residents and surrounding areas. The ongoing support and collaboration among responders and community members will be crucial in addressing the challenges posed by this wildfire.

In conclusion, the recent wildfire in Manitoba serves as a poignant reminder of the power of nature and the importance of preparedness and swift action in times of crisis. With continued vigilance and cooperation, we can work towards safeguarding our communities and environment from the threat of wildfires.

Source link