THE Museum of Surrey will open on September 29 with a new children’s gallery called TD Explore Zone—an interactive and dynamic exhibit developed around the theme of sustainability in Surrey—with help from a generous five-year sponsorship from TD Bank Group of $100,000 per year.

The permanent exhibition will be three times the size of the previous space, highlighting such city initiatives as the Surrey Biofuel Facility and Surrey Light Rail, as well as teaching families and children about Surrey’s unique natural environments like the Serpentine Fen and Green Timbers Urban Forest.

“On behalf of council, I would like to thank TD for its generous investment and commitment to our new museum,” said Surrey Mayor Linda Hepner. “The new TD Explore Zone will not only tell the great stories here in Surrey, but it will also be a place for people to connect. The interactive space will be an area for children to participate and take a hands-on role and learn about environmental stewardship.”

“We are pleased to celebrate the expansion of the TD Explore Zone and acknowledge TD’s sponsorship, and all of our partners that helped bring this unique exhibition to Surrey,” said Councillor Judy Villeneuve. “TD Explore Zone offers a dynamic environment of learning that engages children, and plants the seed of sustainability at a young age.”

Designed to be a place to play, laugh and explore, the zone includes fun activity areas, including a tree fort for climbing, safe experiments with electricity, a wind wall and fishing boat.

“TD is proud to support the City of Surrey and Museum of Surrey in creating a space for residents to learn more about the environment and sustainability,” said Mauro Manzi, Senior Vice President – Pacific Region, TD Bank Group. “As part of The Ready Commitment, we are looking for unique ways to open doors to an inclusive tomorrow where everyone feels confident they can succeed in a changing world. TD Explore Zone will help people improve the natural environment so residents and the economy thrive and will help people feel connected and participate in their community.”

In addition to the TD Explore Zone, the newly expanded museum, opening fall 2018, will feature a textile centre, Indigenous hall and this fall’s temporary blockbuster exhibition, Dinosaurs Unearthed.

For more information, visit www.surrey.ca/museum.

For more information about The Ready Commitment by TD, visit www.td.com/thereadycommitment.