New Brunswick's BioSciences CommunityCompaniesResearch OrganizationsDevelopment OrganizationsTechnology transfer, allied industry and scientific associations Other Canadian BioSciences Associations and Commercialization Agencies New investments further enhance infrastructure at Huntsman Marine Science Centre
October 19, 2009St. Andrews, NB - Two levels of government and the Huntsman Marine Science Centre recently announced investments aimed at the development of a 1,858-sq-metre (20,000-sq.-ft.) discovery centre to replace the existing aquarium at the Huntsman Marine Science Centre (HMSC) in St. Andrews. The provincial and federal governments each announced commitments of $2.5 million for the project, valued at more than $8 million, to develop the discovery centre on its lower campus property. Federal contributions are being delivered via ACOA, under the Community Adjustment Fund (CAF), which is part of Canada's Economic Action Plan.
The HMSC is a registered not-for-profit which develops and transfers relevant science and technology to the private sector; contributes to the training and education of future generations of scientists and technologists; pioneers marine education for a broad range of students and the general public; and provides knowledge and service in the identification and classification of marine organisms through the Atlantic Reference Centre.
The new discovery centre will replace the existing aquarium complex, and will include a self-guided orientation centre, a multiplex aquarium facility, a conference and lecture centre with live video-conference capabilities, and a renewable energy exhibit. The new centre will house renewed teaching and lecturing facilities, and will become a four-season tourist destination that complements other initiatives currently underway in the Charlotte County area of Southwestern New Brunswick. The discovery centre will offer improved education programs to elementary school students in New Brunswick, and improve research capabilities for universities and research organizations that partner with the HMSC.
A recent study by BioAtlantech and its partners identified a significant marine bio-science cluster in New Brunswick, with economic activity and employment of $74 million, and 440 highly qualified persons, respectively, in 2007. Southwestern New Brunswick alone accounts for nearly $40 million of this total.
For more information on the HMSC and these investments, please visit the following:
http://www.gnb.ca/cnb/news/rdc/2009e1591rd.htm
http://mediaroom.acoa-apeca.gc.ca/e/media/press/press.shtml?4569
http://www.huntsmanmarine.ca/
http://www.huntsmanmarine.ca/html/news.html
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