“We can’t achieve great innovations without great discoveries; and we can’t make great discoveries without great discoverers.” - Stephen L. Carter
The Discovery Centre has been a pillar of scientific discovery in Nova Scotia, pollinating 1.4 million minds over 27 years by reinforcing curiosity, knowledge and discovery. As an award-winning leader in experiential education, the Discovery Centre has evolved from a travelling science show to the largest science centre in Atlantic Canada and one of the region’s most loved family institutions.
But the Discovery Centre has outgrown its current space. What’s more, we have a bigger and more important role to play in Nova Scotia and Atlantic Canada. We believe we need to reinvent ourselves to become more relevant in today’s fast-paced, tech-savvy and knowledge-driven society. We know our province is hungry for knowledge and progress. We know we have minds brimming with curiosity and ideas. We know there is world-class research and innovation being done here. And, we know well-educated children and young people can transform not just their own future, but our province’s as well.
That’s why we’re now on the precipice of something monumental – the New Discovery Centre. Thanks to an incredible gift from Nova Scotia Power, a new, state-of-the-art science centre will open in their building on the Halifax waterfront in late 2014. The New Discovery Centre will feature five marquee galleries – Water, Health, Energy, Flight and Creative Kids – as well as a huge new Travelling Exhibits Gallery, an Atrium, Innovation Lab and Immersive Dome Theatre – the first of its kind in Atlantic Canada. In addition, we will increase our educational outreach capacity to ensure we’re reaching even more students across Nova Scotia with our unique brand of hands-on, minds-on learning.
The New Discovery Centre is part of the vision to make Halifax a world-class city. With anticipated annual visitation of more than 150,000 it will become one of the most visited attractions in Nova Scotia, making it an important economic contributor. But what’s more, the New Discovery Centre is a profound commitment to educating and nurturing our bright young minds – the next generation that will lead us forward and deliver the progress we demand as a city, province and region.
The reDiscovery Campaign for the New Discovery Centre is a $20 million project. This is no small undertaking, but we know the long-term positive impacts on our economy are immeasurable. With anticipated funding from all three levels of government, the Campaign seeks to raise $8 million from the public sector. Led by Ian Wilson, the President of Wilsons, and a dedicated, engaged team of volunteers, we are well on our way. But, now we need the support of the business community in Halifax and Nova Scotia. An investment in the New Discovery Centre is not just an investment in our children, but in the future of the entire province. Wouldn’t you agree we’re worth it?
For a look at the New Discovery Centre and to see the buzz building at our new Campaign website rediscoverscience.ca
Author: Renée Fournier
Renée is the Director, Capital Campaign at the Discovery Centre.