January 2, 2012

Human rights museum now estimated to cost at least $351 million

The cost of the controversial Canadian Museum for Human Rights has risen to dizzying new levels.

Spokeswoman Angela Cassie says the huge structure rising at The Forks in Winnipeg is now estimated to cost $351 million.

The project cost had most recently been pegged at $310 million, but officials now say they will need at least another $40 million.

The federal government, which contributed $100 million toward the building and has promised about $22 million in annual operating costs, won’t pay any more.

The museum is turning to private donors to make up the shortfall.

Officials say they are still aiming for a 2014 opening but aren’t ruling out a date in 2015 or beyond.

The project has been plagued by cost over runs, delays and controversies.

The original completion date of 2012 was abandoned due to construction delays, and some community groups have criticized how the institution plans to display some rights abuses like the Stalin-era famine, which devastated Ukraine.

Winnipeg businessman Arni Thorsteinson recently resigned as chairman of the museum’s board.

News from © Canadian Press Enterprises Inc., 2011

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