Construction on the McMurray Métis Cultural Centre at MacDonald Island is set to resume in spring 2025, with completion targeted for 2027.
The $75-million project, which aims to preserve, showcase, and celebrate Métis culture, was paused in 2022 after a review highlighted cost issues and funding gaps.
The project stoppage came at the recommendations of Infinity Métis Corporation, which was commissioned to evaluate the project. Since that time, McMurray Métis formed a new Project Leadership Team (PLT) under Infinity Métis Corporation to restructure the project.
The team, led by Project Director Shawn Myers, conducted a rigorous value-engineering process, reducing costs by 60 per cent and adopting a phased-build approach to ensure financial sustainability.
“The project team we assembled was given the mandate to create a cultural center that celebrates Métis culture while taking advantage of tourism opportunities that exist in our region,” said Myers in a statement. “This work has resulted in a sustainable and fiscally responsible path forward, including a phased-build approach and securement of additional financing.”
The project leadership team has hired Edmonton-based Reimagine Architectural to redesign the project, which was originally designed by Vancouver-based Mindful Architecture. Bird Construction will replace Casman Group of Companies as the new construction management group.
“Success is the only option when it comes to completing a project that will preserve, showcase, and celebrate Métis culture, history, and traditions,” said Kelly Myers, President of McMurray Métis.
Comments