The Banff Centre: Communications

The Globe and Mail: “It was the high cost of new building construction that saved the Banff Centre’s Smith Hall from demolition…. The multiuse building was to be torn down as part of the $179.8-million Banff Centre Revitalization project, but when Alberta construction costs skyrocketed a few years ago, project managers realized they could save a substantial amount of money by renovating Smith Hall, explains Bruce Chapman, president of Target Project Management Inc. in Calgary.”

Globe and Mail: “More than 16 months after the Conservatives announced a far-reaching, seven-year infrastructure plan valued at $33-billion and made up in part by the $8.8-billion Building Canada Fund, cultural projects across the country have yet to see a federal dime…. Two weeks ago, Environment Minister Jim Prentice, a Calgary MP, said four Alberta projects owed a combined $105-million from the fund are being expedited, including the Banff Centre’s new Kinnear Centre for Creativity and Innovation.”

MarketWatch: The Financial Group’s donation will be used for the construction of the new Kinnear Centre for Creativity and Innovation.

Calgary Herald: “The Banff Centre is making stalwart efforts to reinvent the experience of cafeteria dining.”

Calgary Sun: “A who’s who of the business community gathered at the Telus Convention Centre to salute Kinnear and his most deserving honour.”

Alberta Venture: “Alberta’s Business Person of the Year Award showcases our province’s business achievements and excellence. Now in its tenth year, the award is designed to identify and recognize individuals who embrace principled leadership, strategic thinking, balanced workplace values and an unrelenting pursuit of excellence.” James S. Kinnear is a major donor to The Banff Centre Revitalization Project and a member of the Board of Governors.

Macleans: “In September, Calgary financier James Kinnear, president of Pengrowth Energy Trust, donated $10 million to the Banff Centre, the largest gift in its history.”

Canadian Architect – 7/20/2007: “The Banff Centre’s new Dining Centre opened today with an official ribbon-cutting ceremony at the scenic site.”

CBC Arts News also carried the story.

Province of Alberta: The Alberta government has announced a multi-million-dollar investment in new and renovated post-secondary facilities across the province, including $27 million at the Banff Centre, to go towards new facilities that will replace Donald Cameron Hall.

Government of Alberta —
April 2, 2004.  
“Commencing under the 2004-07 Capital Plan, funding has been allocated for the reconstruction of Donald Cameron Hall at The Banff Centre. The renovation will involve major renewal of the building;rsquo;s three wings and will take place over several years.” A Banff Centre press release calls the funding “the first step in a major redevelopment and revitalization of The Banff Centre campus.”