A ground breaking at VanDusen Botanical Garden today marked the start of a $19.4 million visitor centre that will welcome up to 300,000 visitors a year and showcase sustainable design features in an iconic building.

“Under the leadership of Prime Minister Stephen Harper, our government is investing in infrastructure that will stimulate the economy and create jobs,” said Senator Yonah Martin. “With its unique design, the visitor centre is sure to become an iconic building for all Canadians to enjoy.”

The new visitor center will attract more people to the gardens and add to the park’s beauty, since much of the inspiration of the building comes from things found in the park.“The new visitor centre fits perfectly with our commitment to become the world’s greenest city by 2020,” said Mayor Gregor Robertson. “With a LEED Platinum target and features such as geo-thermal and solar energy, the building will combine leading design and sustainability features into a signature structure.”Another public infrastructure to add to our collection, which boasts  the new Vancouver Convention Center and the Richmond Olympic Oval.