Published November 2, 2026 · Story period: May–June 2022 · historical story
C$789 million announced investment; not verified expenditure
In May 2022, BC announced a new Royal BC Museum in Victoria, backed by a stated $789-million provincial investment. The rationale included seismic safety, accessibility and protecting the collections.
The plan meant closing the old building for years and demolishing it. The price tag drew sharp public criticism during a period of rising costs and long hospital waits.
About a month later, on June 22, 2022, the province halted the rebuild. Premier John Horgan took responsibility for not consulting the public enough: “We thought we had it right. Clearly, we did not.”
The museum stayed open. A separate collections and research building in Colwood went ahead.
Instead of a rebuild, the museum board launched public engagement on what the museum should become. Its consultation campaign was reported at about $1.4 million, subject to approval.
Bottom line: the $789 million was an announcement, not money spent. What taxpayers did pay for was a planning process, a reversal and a fresh round of consultation.
What the headline leaves out
These sources establish an announcement and its reversal, not how much was spent on planning or cancellation. The $789 million was never paid and should not be described as money lost. This is a historical story from 2022, not a new announcement.
The roast
Satire: The most interactive exhibit turned out to be the undo button.
Satire. No personal tax share is calculated for this record.
What's your share?
Explore your estimated income tax for this country. This does not mean you personally funded the specific project.
Calculate my tax estimate →
