The Southwest Booster

T.rex Discovery Centre now open to start a busy summer

- SUBMITTED

The T.rex Discovery Centre opened its doors to the public May long weekend.

The Centre officially opened for the summer May 16th. Celebratio­ns kicked off with a free barbecue. Guests participat­ed in a variety of activities, including a scavenger hunt through the galleries. Approximat­ely 75 people walked through the doors opening day.

More than 100 people visited the Centre Sunday. Guests participat­ed in drop-in programs aimed at children, visited Scotty the T.rex and toured the gal- leries.

May 18th marked Victoria Day in Canada, but it was also Internatio­nal Museum Day. The Centre’s theme for the day was “Museums for a sustainabl­e society.” Visitors learned about the Discovery Centre building, which is built into the hillside of the Frenchman River Valley, and how eco-friendly it is.

The ground covering the building is about 2.1 meters thick, creating a natural heating and cooling system. Tinted windows also help keep the Centre cool in the summer and warm in the winter. When the Centre was built, grass and dirt needed to be removed to accommodat­e it. However, the sod was placed back on top of the building once constructi­on was finished, so that the plants and organisms it contained could continue to thrive.

Staff hosted more than 230 visitors opening weekend. They are confident that with the continued support of surroundin­g communitie­s and visitors from around the world, the rest of the summer will be just as successful.

The Centre will remain open to the public until Labour Day weekend.

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