A community engagement plan is being rolled out this week through the Royal BC Museum (RBCM) to allow the public a say in the future of the facility.
The multi-year, province wide engagement plan will aim to collect feedback from British Columbians regarding the future of the museum.
The engagement process will include in-person and virtual dialogue sessions, as well as consultations with representatives from groups such as Indigenous and multicultural communities, municipalities, post-secondary institutions and people with accessibility needs.
The first two in-person sessions will kick off phase one at the museum this Thursday, January 12th.
These sessions will offer daytime and evening sessions as well as virtual meets every week until February 3rd.
Anyone who wants to share their thoughts without attending can fill out an online survey available on January 12th on RBCM’s website.
The decision to launch these community engagement events comes months after a controversial announcement was made by the provincial government to take on an expensive revamp of the museum, involving the tear-down and rebuild of the popular Victoria destination.
Related: I made the wrong call: Horgan scraps $789M Royal BC Museum rebuild
In the wake of public backlash, former Premier John Horgan announced plans to scrap the whopping $789-million rebuild of the RBCM.
I always try to act in the best interests of British Columbians. That involves always listening, and taking responsibility when you make the wrong call. This is one of those times.
Today I'm announcing that we're stopping the plan for a new @RoyalBCMuseum. pic.twitter.com/js5QKBPq1F— John Horgan (@jjhorgan) June 22, 2022
As of right now, information regarding the second phase of this project is limited though the website says it will involve “deeper engagement work” informed by phase one.
Following phase two, museum staff will present a report to the province that will also be made public.
Once public feedback and approvals from phase two are received, the museum plans on entering phase three by, “preparing an action plan that advances a revised, public-informed concept of a modern museum.”
The Royal BC Museum’s goal is for British Columbians of all demographics and lived experiences to feel a sense of belonging, ownership and pride about the provincial museum and the stories it shares with the world. 1/4 pic.twitter.com/irUyGJNnCm
— Royal BC Museum (@RoyalBCMuseum) January 6, 2023
Future of the Royal BC Museum – Dialogue sessions
- Where: The Royal BC Museum, 675 Belleville Street
- When:
- Future of the Royal BC Museum (in-person daytime sessions)
-
-
-
- Thursday, January 12th, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
- Tuesday, January 17th, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
- Thursday, January 26th, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
-
-
- Future of the Royal BC Museum (in-person evening sessions)
-
-
-
- Thursday, January 12th, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
- Tuesday, January 17th, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
- Thursday, January 26th, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
-
-
- Future of the Royal BC Museum (virtual sessions)
-
-
- Tuesday, January 31st, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
- Friday, February 3rd, 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.
-
