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The federal government has committed $10 million of the $13.5 million it has been asked for, Luppino said.

The public and corporate fundraising campaign haven't officially begun, although it got a huge boost earlier this year when Jim and Barbara Poole donated $5 million.

"We're looking for $13.5 million (from donors) but we actually expect we can do better than that," Luppino said, "because the initial response has been so positive."

Some major donors appear to be waiting until all the government funding is in place, he said.

"We would like to have (a commitment from the province) by the time we make that announcement on Oct. 13. I think that's going to make a major difference to our other major donors," Luppino said.

"They want to know it's going to happen for real. And the province is a central part of that."

rmcconnell@thejournal.canwest.com