The Magnetic Hill Zoo Education Centre is expanding thanks to funds from the City of Moncton and the Federal Government.
Moncton-Riverview-Dieppe MP Ginette Petitpas-Taylor announced $200,000 today to pay for half the expansion.
Local MP Ginette Petitpas-Taylor reveals details of the project #Moncton #MonctonNews #NBnews #nb pic.twitter.com/9roT747pem
— 91.9The Bend News (@919TheBendNews) December 20, 2016
Zoo Manager Bruce Dougan says it’s a great opportunity to increase the education component for visitors.
“The extension is going to bring another two classrooms to the Zoo,” says Dougan. “They’ll also be able to be used for community events because the wall between the two classrooms will be able to be removed for larger groups or for many nature talks or conservation talks, that sort of thing.”
Dougan says the money will also be used for a wheelchair accessible entrance, washrooms, a kitchen and a staff and volunteer room.
“It’ll increase our capacity from about 500 in summer programs, to about 900,” says Dougan. “It’ll offer us an opportunity to address a lot of winter programs, we’re offering new winter programs such as “Mums & Tots” so we get the toddlers in here, we’re offering home school programming here at the Zoo in the off season as well.”
As part of the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program, Dougan says the work must be completed by June 30th, in time for Canada Day.
He adds the foundation has already been poured and it is clearly visible for anyone walking by the Education Centre.
Moncton Mayor Dawn Arnold says this extension will enhance the visitor experience, and will enable staff to meet the needs of our growing community by educating more children on the importance of wildlife conservation.
#Moncton Mayor Dawn Arnold speaks about zoo funding announcement #MonctonNews #NBNews #nb pic.twitter.com/T3nzbC03B6
— 91.9The Bend News (@919TheBendNews) December 20, 2016
