The ATCO Tyrrell Learning Centre at the internationally renowned Royal Tyrrell Museum in Drumheller was officially opened on Tuesday, August 19, 2003 by the Alberta Government and the ATCO Group of Companies.  ATCO Group donated $1 million for the ATCO Tyrrell Learning Centre to enrich technically-advanced educational programming opportunities.

The opening marked the first major expansion in the 18-year history of the museum, located near where the first skull of the Albertosaurus dinosaur was found in 1884.

"The ATCO Tyrrell Learning Centre brings together the magic of the dinosaur world with advanced technology capable of delivering programs via video-teleconference learning to schools and communities across Alberta," said Nancy Southern, president and chief executive officer of the ATCO Group of Companies.  "With our deep roots in the province, this project demonstrates that ATCO and its more than 6,000 employees are committed to support innovative ways to enrich the quality of life in the communities we serve."

The partnership between ATCO Group and the Province of Alberta enabled the ATCO Tyrrell Learning Centre to expand the museum's education programs and meet ever-increasing demand for information about Alberta's ancient history and famous dinosaur past.

Educators are predicting that an additional 8,000 students a year could access programs in the future via the new innovative video-teleconferencing technology.

Located adjacent to the existing museum, the 16,500-square-foot ATCO Tyrrell Learning Centre includes three learning zones; a hands-on workshop, a distance learning studio and an innovative outdoor interpretive area.

The Government of Alberta provided $2.5 million of the project's estimated $5 million cost through it's Centennial Legacy Fund.  ATCO's $1 million contribution is the largest corporate contribution ever made to the museum.

For more information on the ATCO Tyrrell Learning Centre, please visit the Royal Tyrrell Museum online at www.tyrrellmuseum.com. 

News Release June 20, 2002