Plans for an Ocean Discovery Centre in Nanaimo, Vancouver Island, have moved a step closer.
Following a presentation of the project’s business plan, the City of Nanaimo have committed to investigate the feasibility of using a location on the publicly owned waterfront for the development.
“world class attraction of epic proportion”
Nanaimo Deep Discovery Association are proposing to create a $50-million “world class attraction of epic proportion” which will attract tourists and regenerate the local area.
The vision for the Ocean Discovery Centre is: “An inspiring collection of interactive displays, robotics, submersibles and IMAX experiences showcasing the history, the present, and revealing the future of ocean ecology & sustainable technologies.”
The business plan forecasts 70,000 visitors a year, generating an estimated $171 million throughout the local economy.
$45 million of the funding needed for the three year development would need to come from the provincial and federal governments, together with a ‘mortgage or loan free’ land lease from the city for the 1,000 sqm site.
Current proposals for the centre include touch tank aquariums, a virtual reality shark cage thrill attraction and a $10-million moving theatre similar to Soar over Canada.
Images: Nanaimo Deep Discovery Association
Ocean Discovery Centre proponents eye Nanaimo’s publicly owned waterfront
