The Space Sciences Centre opened in Edmonton in 1984.
Spearheaded by the Edmonton Space Sciences Foundation, the Centre launched with intentions to make space and science more exciting and more accessible to the public.
Designed by architect Douglas Cardinal, the state-of-the-art Edmonton Space Sciences Centre featured the cutting-edge technology of the day, including a planetarium equipped with world-class optics sourced from East Germany’s Zeiss that serviced the facility well until 2011.
Today, the Centre is known as TELUS World of Science Edmonton—and, thanks to a recent investment from the Province, is set to once again lead the way with regard to technological adoption for the purposes of public education and entertainment in Canada.
Announced as part of Alberta’s Budget 2025, Edmonton’s World of Science received a Community Facility Enhancement Program grant to upgrade its IMAX system with “unique technology.”
Once the upgrade is complete, the IMAX theatre at TELUS World of Science Edmonton will be the only one of its kind in Canada to feature this updated technology, according to a statement from the government of Alberta.
“This exciting upgrade will make educational content more accessible for communities across Alberta, increasing access to virtual field trips and virtual events, and allow for rental opportunities for groups,” the statement reads.
“With support from funding programs like CFEP … we are leveraging new technologies that break down barriers to science education, expanding access for underserved communities, and investing in the next generation of science innovators and entrepreneurs,” remarked Constance Scarlett, who functions as chief executive officer of TELUS World of Science Edmonton.
“We know that an investment in curiosity is an investment in our collective future,” she continued.
Alberta’s Community Facility Enhancement Program offers regional nonprofits financial assistance up to $1 million to help upgrade, expand, or build public-use community facilities.
“We are sincerely grateful to the Government of Alberta for investing in non-profit organizations such as ours to amplify impact and build thriving communities,” Scarlett said.
Budget 2025 maintains the Community Facility Enhancement Program’s funding at $50 million, honouring an increase announced in 2023 as part of a three-year strategic investment.
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