Ukrainian museum at standstill due to $4M funding shortfall

Work on the Ukrainian Canadian Archives and Museum of Alberta has come to a standstill because the project has run out of funds.

The museum was supposed to breathe new life into the old Lodge Hotel at 96th Street and Jasper Avenue.

But there have been problems. Renovations on the century-old building led to $1.5 million in cost overruns.

There are unknowns that came up, said Paul Teterenko, president of the museum. It cost more to secure the facade than we initially anticipated.

Funds for the $13-million project have dried up. The three levels of government have already contributed $9 million, so the UCAMA may have to turn to private donations to make up the rest.

Coun. Scott McKeensaid he would love to see the project completed becauseit would be an asset for the downtown east area.

I'm really hoping we'll see some additional contributions from the private sector, he said.

Teterenko isnt giving up.

It's disappointing but it's not insurmountable. We'll get there.