BC Hydro completes $2-million upgrade of Revelstoke Dam Visitor Centre & First Nations Gallery
REVELSTOKE – BC Hydro will open the doors of the Revelstoke Dam Visitor Centre to the public on Saturday, May 16, to reveal the results of a $2-million dollar renovation.
“Our state-of-the-art interactive displays and exhibits showcase how hydroelectric power is produced in a way that balances British Columbians’ energy needs with environmental and social values,” said David Lebeter, BC Hydro’s Director of Generation Operations.
Visitors to the centre can discover the power generation story through a self-guided tour that includes a powerhouse walkway and an elevator ride up 35 stories to the dam crest lookout located atop the massive, 175-metre high concrete dam.
The former Visitors Centre dated back to the 1980s. BC Hydro completed the two-year upgrade this year with the development of a brand new First Nations Gallery that showcases historical use of the Columbia River and area. The “First Nations and the Mighty Columbia River” exhibit was collaboratively produced by the Shuswap Nation Tribal Council, the Okanagan Nation Alliance and the Ktunaxa Nation.
“The visitor centre will help support Revelstoke’s growing tourism industry,” said Lebeter. “Approximately 20,000 visitors have been coming each year to experience the centre and we hope that the newly renovated facility will attract many more.”
The Revelstoke Dam Visitor Centre is located about five kilometres north of the city of Revelstoke, on Highway 23 North. The centre will be open to the public from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily until Thanksgiving Monday October 12.
The facility is fully wheelchair accessible, incorporating wheelchair ramps, elevators and wheelchair-accessible toilets. Admission fees are $6 for adults, $5 for youth, free for those under 5, and $15 for families. School tours are free.
The Visitor Centre also features a small gift shop, and drinks and snacks are available. BC Hydro staff is available to answer any questions or provide assistance.
Contact:
Jennifer Walker-Larsen
Stakeholder Engagement Advisor
TOC Community Relations
Phone: 250 814-6645