Edmonton radio station CKUA is getting more than just a new home.
During an official announcement of the station’s move to the Alberta Hotel building, they were told the province and the city will both be contributing $5 million each.
“The government is going to be putting in $5 million towards CKUA and it’s a power of partnership,” Culture Minister Heather Klimchuk said. “The city of Edmonton is putting $5 million as well.”
The funding is part of the Community Facility Enhancement Program, which offers money to non-profit organizations for their contribution to culture.
Klimchuk told CTV Edmonton that it was important to help CKUA with renovations and new equipment for all that they do for the province.
“It has always amazed me the enormous support that CKUA has always had,” CKUA DJ John Worthington said.
Klimchuk said she was proud of the province’s cultural heritage.
“CKUA is the oldest radio station in Alberta so I am so proud that it is in Alberta,” she told CTV Edmonton.
“It’s really important we keep these treasures.
“Culture connects our past, our present and our future. It is really important for future generations to know about this.”
Worthington said he first came to the station from commercial broadcasting but has never looked back.
“This was much more interesting, much more rewarding than anything else I might have spent my life on.”
