Sussex Drive a centre of pluralism after Aga Khan buys old war museum Philanthropist's institute to foster tolerance and understanding The former war museum on Sussex Drive has been purchased by the foundation of the Aga Khan, the billionaire philanthropist and spiritual leader of the world's 20 million Ismaili Muslims. Federal officials are expected to hold a signing ceremony today to announce that the heritage building will become the Global Centre for Pluralism, a research and education institute to be owned and operated by the Aga Khan Development Network. The centre will be a non-denominational, non-profit, Canadian organization dedicated to fostering pluralism in developing countries. The ceremony will be attended by Prince Karim Aga Khan, who is a Geneva-born, Harvard-educated British citizen living in France. The Aga Khan, who has about 75,000 followers in Canada, wants to see Canada share its pluralist values globally. "Tolerance, openness and understanding towards other peoples' cultures, social structures, values and faiths are now essential to the very survival of an interdependent world," he has said. Prime Minister Stephen Harper issued a press release yesterday welcoming the Aga Khan. "Through the development network that bears his name, the Aga Khan has contributed significantly to advancement and stability in Asia and Africa while promoting Islam as a thinking, spiritual faith that teaches compassion," said Mr. Harper. The Canadian government previously pledged $30 million toward the centre, which was launched in 2004 -- although the location has not been previously announced. The initial investment by the Aga Khan Development Network was to be $40 million. The project will involve major restoration of the heritage building, including possible cleanup of asbestos, updating the electrical system and construction of new interior walls. Health and safety upgrades to the building will cost $5 million to $20 million. The building itself was said to be worth $3 million to $4 million. The Aga Khan has made no secret of his admiration for Canada. He has often articulated his desire to see this country export multiculturalism. "Pluralism is no longer simply an asset or a prerequisite for progress and development, it is vital to our existence," he has said. The building was put up for sale last year after the Canadian War Museum moved to LeBreton Flats. It is designated a "classified" national heritage building -- the highest federal rating -- and is a national historic site, which means that a buyer is obliged to maintain its heritage character. Under the government's heritage rules, the building must be offered first to government agencies. If those agencies decline, private companies are given a chance to bid. The Royal Canadian Mint and the National Gallery of Canada initially expressed interest, but did not follow through with offers on the property. The original structure was operated as the Dominion Archives and was built between 1904 and 1906. An addition to the south side of the building was completed in 1925. The war museum moved into the location in 1967. The Aga Khan is already building in Ottawa. Last spring, construction began on a landmark building on Sussex Drive to house the activities of the Aga Khan Development Network, which spends $230 million U.S. a year on international development. The building has been designed by internationally renowned architect Fumihiko Maki and is inspired by natural rock crystal. In Toronto, the Aga Khan is creating a museum housing an exceptional collection of Islamic art, and an Ismaili community centre and place of worship. During his visit to Ottawa, the Aga Khan will meet with Foreign Affairs Minister Peter MacKay, Heritage Minister Beverley Oda, and Josee Verner, minister of international co-operation, la Francophonie and official languages. The Canadian wing of the Aga Khan Development Network is a partner with the Canadian International Development Agency on several projects in Africa and Asia. New Life for An Old Museum

CREDIT: Wayne Cuddington, The Ottawa Citizen The old war museum on Sussex Drive has been vacant since the fall of 2004 when it closed to the public and its artifacts were moved to the new museum on LeBreton Flats.