If you haven't been to the Britannia Mine Museum (BMM) in the past six months, be prepared for a completely new experience.
The National Historic Site and B.C. Historic Landmark was recently revitalized and reinvented with a $14.7 million redevelopment that includes new buildings, modern exhibits, a great kids' play area and more.
"The Britannia Project had been around for a long time," said Kirstin Clausen, BMM executive director. "It was a vision, a grand vision. But you dream big, and then look at what is possible. So, over the years the project has been honed and tightened a bit."
In 2005, the restoration began with stabilizing the concrete foundations of the mill building, re-roofing each level, re-siding the building, and replacing each of the building's 14,416 panes of glass - by hand.
"When the mill was completed it solidified that we did have something," she said. "So, three years ago we began exploring opportunities with government grants, as we are a non-profit organization."
Through those grants and private funding, the BMM has been transformed with new venues, new buildings and new exhibits that mix modern technology with the site's look back at mining history.
When you first get to the museum, you'll immediately see the new Beaty-Lundin Visitor Centre, which houses many of the new exhibits as well as a spacious and well-stocked new gift shop.
From ghostly images from the past that seem to come alive on the walls in front of you, to mineral exhibits, video exhibits on flat screens to a swirling tornado of things that exist because of mining this isn't the old mining museum at all.
The new building even features a small cinema where the Britannia Mine's fascinating history is covered in an entertaining and informative 15 minutes.
Another new building is the A-Z Administration Building - a fully restored original heritage building that showcases the stories of the Britannia Beach community during the 70 years it existed as a mining town.
There's even a new modern play area for kids, an event plaza for special activities and concerts, and more is planned to showcase the evolution of the mining industry and celebrating how integral it is to everyday life.
Of course, the upgrades only serve to complement the BMM's existing and popular gold-panning and tour by rail into the heart of the mine.
"Now that the upgrades are done in the mill building, we are looking into a sound and light show," Clausen said. "It's all a journey, though. And it's one we want the Squamish community on with us."
To that end, the BMM is offering special membership prices to Squamish residents in March, and is partnering with local businesses to promote Squamish to its visitors.
"We want people headed up to Whistler to turn off the highway and visit Squamish," said Deanna Bell, BMM director of sales and business development. "So we've partnered with Squamish businesses and are promoting Squamish to our visitors."
Squamish families are also being given special pricing on memberships in March.
"In March we're focusing on the Squamish community," Bell said. "We want to invite them to come and explore the new site and see why they should become members. In March, a family membership is $68, when normally it is $89. With all the new exhibits it is really a worthwhile value."
By comparison, the regular day rate for a family (two adults and three kids) is $72.
In addition to the new exhibits, buildings and venues, the BMM also plans to host regular activities and events for the Sea to Sky community.
Those events include a Dino Easter Egg Hunt on April 24, a concert in May, as well as a Mother's Day event with scones and more.
The BMM is open daily from 9 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.
Go to www.britanniaminemuseum.ca for more information.
