The Métis Cultural Centre being built at McDonald Island Park is being put on hold.
In a March 25 post on the McMurray Métis Facebook Page, a letter to members read that they do not have sufficient resources to finish the construction of the project.
Work on the project began in June 2021 with the goal of building a world-class Métis Cultural Centre. Construction hit a snag last fall when the Métis said they were short of funds.
In their statement, McMurray Metis said that they will finish winterizing the existing structure with the aim of long-term preservation of the asset and will take the next 12 to 15 months to determine a responsible and sustainable path forward.
The project was originally expected to cost $22 million, however in July 2021, McMurray Métis told the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo that its latest estimate put the price tag at $74.7 million.
The cultural Centre was designed for use as office space, grounds for training and employment and child and family welfare support, as well as storage for Métis artifacts such as interviews with elders.
Facebook Post from McMurray Metis, Click to enlarge
