A new marine centre and aquarium will find a home in Sidney, helping to boost the local eco-tourism market, thanks to a joint investment of $2 million from the federal and provincial governments through the Canada-B.C. Municipal-Rural Infrastructure Fund (CBCMRIF).

The Honourable Gary Lunn, MP for Saanich-Gulf Islands and Minister of Natural Resources, and Murray Coell, MLA for Saanich North and the Islands and Minister of Advanced Education, announced the funding today.

“The New Marine Centre will provide opportunities for Sidney residents and visitors to learn about aquatic life while showcasing the community as a premier eco-tourism destination,” said Minister Lunn, on behalf of the Honourable Rona Ambrose, President of the Queen’s Privy Council for Canada, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister of Western Economic Diversification. “Our Government is proud to partner with the Province of British Columbia to build healthy and sustainable communities.”

The new 10,000 square-foot marine centre will be designed to maximize energy efficiency with the ocean acting as a heat sink. The building will feature an aquarium and education centre, with exhibit areas, multi-media lecture theatre and classrooms.

“This project highlights how infrastructure can maximize the local environment to improve energy efficiencies,” said Coell. “I applaud Sidney and the marine centre partners for working hard on this worthwhile project.”

 “This project will establish Sidney as an internationally recognized centre for environmental education and a gateway to nature,” said Angus Matthews, Executive Director of the New Marine Centre “This major contribution to the $8.5 million ocean discovery centre is a fabulous addition to the support we have received from the Town of Sidney and our generous donors in the community. Together we will explore, understand and cherish the ocean.”

Launched in June 2006, the majority of CBCMRIF program funding supports communities of fewer than 250,000 people to minimize the costs to taxpayers of local infrastructure upgrades or new construction projects. 

At least 60 per cent of the funding will assist with “green projects”, and are geared towards enhancing environmental sustainability, such as water and waste-water systems, public transit, and environmental energy improvements. Other infrastructure projects will support local roads, cultural and recreational facilities, infrastructure to support tourism, and broadband connectivity. The funding for this project is conditionally approved pending the successful completion of an environmental assessment.

The total amount available through the CBCMRIF, with federal and provincial investments and matching local government contribution, is over $220 million. More details on the program are available through the CBCMRIF website, at http://www.canadabcmrif.ca/.

Media Contacts:

Karl Yeh
Western Economic Diversification Canada
604 666-4714

Marc Black
B.C. Ministry of Community Services
250 356-6334