The road to an expanded and improved Royal Tyrrell Museum is getting closer.
    The Mail reported in April of last year the Alberta Government had budgeted $9.3 million in 2017 and 18 for a major expansion.  In January of this year, the federal government announced it would also contribute to the project.
    The Mail learned this week that the project is weeks away from being put out for tenders.
    “Now that the design phase is complete, the Government of Alberta expects to publicly tender the Royal Tyrrell Museum of Palaeontology facility expansion project within the next few weeks,” said Tracy Larsen, communications officer for Alberta Infrastructure, in an e-mail.
     Executive Director of the Tyrrell Museum Andrew Neuman is excited about the project.
    This expansion has been in the works since 2013. The project will add approximately 1,100 square meters and will expand the distance learning studios, add classroom and lab space and multipurpose space.
    “The downstairs will be a combination of education space, and also space available for conferences and special events and more up to date distance learning capabilities,” said Neuman.
    He adds the expansion will make more space for lab work, one of its highest demand programs.
    Neuman says it brings many benefits to the museum, not just for education programs but day-to-day operations.  This includes developing a hands-on interactive exhibit
    “The new gallery will be like an interactive space,” he explains. “It won’t be like a classic exhibit, but more like the Science hall we used to have at the front, but it will be way bigger with a more modern aspect. We want it to cater to everybody, not just kids but multi-generational families.”
    The expansion will also make the museum more user-friendly.
    “There is a high demand for improving bathroom facilities. There will also be a little place to have a cup of tea and take a break,” he said.
    Once the tendering process is complete, work is expected to begin right away.
    “Once the contractor is secured, construction will begin.  We anticipate shovels will be in the ground beginning early this summer. The construction project is expected to be completed in 2019,” said Larsen.

Due to poor weather, the annual Earth Day Community Clean-up has been rescheduled for May 4.
    The annual clean-up, organized by Heather Colberg is set to go next Thursday.  She reports that more than 100 businesses, church groups, schools,  and clubs along with numerous individuals are ready to pitch in.
    Along with making our community cleaner, as it turns out, it’s a Canadian thing to do. In fact, Community Clean-up is number 64 on the ParticipACTION Canada 150 activity Playlist, and the local Canada 150 committee is also encouraging as many residents as possible to take part.
    The Clean-up goes from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Thursday, May 4. There will be GFL green bins placed in areas throughout town. Simply grab your gloves, show up at any of the meeting spots, grab a garbage bag and get picking.
    Following the clean up from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., GFL is hosting a volunteer appreciation barbecue at the Badlands Community Facility. Come down and meet representatives and recharge after all the hard work.
    For more information or to volunteer, contact Heather Colberg at healthercolberg@icloud.com or 403-823-0811 or Tia Leone Briggs at 403-821-1635.