The North Zoo Site Redevelopment Project is the dominant project at the Toronto Zoo requiring $27.7 million or 53% of the planned funding for capital projects in the 2008-2012, 5-Year Capital Plan. The North Zoo Site Redevelopment will complete more efficient integration of visitor site circulation changes at the Toronto Zoo by bringing important Canadian animal exhibits now in the Rouge Valley up into the table lands. The construction has been planned in 4 Phases, over the next six years, to match debt target and fund-raising plans.
Phase I: Tundra Biome, under construction, will feature expansion of the existing polar bear exhibit, along with the development of the remainder of the Tundra exhibits incorporating interactive displays of cultural and ecological significance. The construction of the Tundra will be largely completed in 2008 with recommended cash flow of $11.7 million representing 80% of the total recommended cash flow for 2008, for a major opening in 2009.
Phase II: Eurasia Rehabilitation, will consolidate and intensify the experience by shortening the visitor path in the existing Eurasia area. Phase II design commenced in September, 2007. An important component of the improvement includes a themed ride in the area, as recommended in the Revenue & Visitor Experience Enhancement Study. Renovation of this area in 2009-2010 is necessary to make way for the Phase III construction.
Phase III: Mixed Woodland Biome/Boreal Forest Biome, completes the Canadian Wilderness Experience area and will feature a new Orientation Centre, moose, beaver and otter exhibits, and a drive-through bison/elk paddock on the Zoomobile tour. Funds are planned for 2010-2011. At this time it is intended to tender Phase II and III at the same time for greater efficiency and potential cost savings.
Phase IV: Tropical Americas Rehabilitation, will involve the relocation and consolidation of the South America exhibits along with the refitting of a portion of the exhibits in the Americas Pavilion for Tropical American animals. Funds are included in the 10-Year Forecast in 2014-2015.
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