Good news for anyone who's ever spent an afternoon losing track of time at TELUS Spark — the science centre is getting a significant injection of federal funding to keep its experiences fresh and accessible.

The federal government has announced $879,065 for TELUS Spark through the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund, building on a previous $500,000 investment from the Department of Canadian Heritage for the centre's ongoing redevelopment.

The new funding will go toward upgrading the digital immersion gallery with two additional high-resolution projectors, as well as maintaining the software that keeps Flint — the centre's robotic platform — up and running for live demonstrations of robotics, automation, and emerging technologies. Earlier funding covered updated audiovisual equipment and accessibility upgrades to make the space more inclusive for all visitors.

"This investment enables us to create dynamic, inclusive spaces where science comes to life," said CEO Guy Labine, "reflecting both global perspectives and Indigenous ways of knowing."

TELUS Spark has been a fixture of Calgary's science and learning community since 2011, drawing more than 400,000 visitors a year.