NANAIMO – The NDDA (Nanaimo Deep Discovery Association) has recently unveiled their plans for the proposed Ocean Discovery Center.
The plan developed by Nanaimo architect David Poirier will be made available today on the organization’s website. It details total square footage; allocates space for the various functions and suggests a building look that could become an iconic symbol for Nanaimo, much like the planetarium or science world did for Vancouver. NDDA Vice President Tim Tessier asks that “people from across Vancouver Island and indeed all of BC take a moment to review this exciting project”.
While the organization still hasn’t found a location for the project, President Lorne Hildebrand commented, “Before we move forward and hold serious discussions with funders, suppliers and other potential partners we need some indication from the city of Nanaimo that this a project they would like to see explored more extensively”. While a number of locations have been suggested there is more work to be done to find the most suitable location.
The plan also suggests what preliminary costs might be and the NDDA will begin a process to refine those numbers. Hildebrand also points out that a study by MNP found the project to be financially feasible, ‘We will not proceed if this is going to be a continuous cash drain to our community, this needs to be self sustaining and in fact generate revenue and something we can be all be proud of.
The NDDA is a non profit organization and a community fundraising campaign would need to be launched to help pay for the costs. Tessier points out that all of the discussions the NDDA has had to date have been very positive and supportive. Excitement has been expressed about the enormous potential for economic stimulus, tourism enhancement and, marine environmental and technology education.
In fact a major private donor has indicated a willingness to make a significant donation to the project. He says that further discussion now hinges on the city making an official announcement about supporting ongoing work to determine the feasibility of the project, “No one can go any further until there is an indication that the city would be supportive”.
