B.C. announces $20M to fix Science World dome, infrastructure

It looks like a Vancouver landmark may be lighting up the sky once again, as new funding to support Science World was announced Tuesday.

B.C. Premier David Eby was at the building to announce $50 million to help expand B.C.’s tourism infrastructure, with money also being allocated to fixing the centre’s iconic dome.

The B.C. government says in a news release $20 million will be going to Science World to “support priority infrastructure repairs and improvement.”

The dome lights haven’t been on since July of 2022. Although Eby didn’t say when people would be able to spot the familiar glow, he notes work is already underway to turn the lights back on.

“You’ll see people on the outside of the building right now doing work on the lights, getting the lights going again, and that work is only going to continue as we maintain and enhance this iconic building for all British Columbians,” he said.

The money is set to improve “critical systems” in the dome, including heating and ventilation.

“Science World and its iconic dome is important to so many British Columbians and has been a feature of the skyline for decades,” Eby said.

“To this day, it serves as a proud landmark for Vancouver residents.”

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At its initial creation, the dome was meant to be temporary, around six months. Eby says it hasn’t been updated in over 35 years.

“Unfortunately, right now Science World is facing some challenges. The dome above us is the only part of the building that hasn’t been updated since Expo 86 and it shows,” Eby said.

The premier says the dome is actively leaking, making the theater below unusable.

“Today’s announcement is an important step forward in that work to protect Science World and the iconic dome, [and] make sure that it’s usable for visitors for residents,” he said.

Meanwhile, the province says the remaining $30 million investment is set to go to “enhance existing tourism infrastructure throughout the province, foster globally competitive destinations, strengthen a year-round visitor economy, and to support sustainability, accessibility and inclusion.”

This includes projects like new tourism attractions and campground developments.