The Gold Pan’s museum is receiving a much-needed lighting upgrade, thanks to close to $40,000 in federal funding.
Last Friday Cariboo–Prince George MP Dick Harris announced the funding under the Infrastructure Improvement Fund (CIIF).
The investment of $39,905 will be used for renovations, including the installation of new lighting to improve the safety and accessibility of the facility.
“ Right now we have fluorescent, office style lighting throughout the museum with a few spot lights added in the new wing,” museum curator Elizabeth Hunter said.
“We will be replacing approximately half the existing fluorescents with new low energy fluorescents for basic ambient lighting and replacing the other half with fiber optic spotlights.”
Hunter explained the lighting has several advantages, including environmental as well as helping to preserve precious pieces in the museum.
“Finally, with the spots we can direct the light to pick out more significant artifacts, text panels etc. so the exhibits should look better,” she said.
Hunter explained the museum will also be installing fiber optic lighting in many of the exhibit cases, ensuring visitors have the best visual possible.
“The end goal is lower energy consumption, lower operating costs and add more effective or dramatic lighting,” she said.
“By making these investments in local infrastructure, we are helping boost economic activity and maintain a high quality of life for the region,” Harris added.
CIIF is a two-year national program that will invest $150 million to rehabilitate and improve existing community infrastructure across Canada. It works to help modernize infrastructure and provide broad-based economic benefits to communities.
“The upgrade to the lighting in the museum will not only make our facility green, thus reducing energy and operating costs, it will help preserve our treasured collections and visually enhance our striking exhibits, making it even more appealing to visitors,” Mayor Mary Sjostrom said.
Lighting is expected to be installed in the fall, once tourist season slows down.
