Discovery Centre plan unveiled in Cumberland
By Colleen Dane - Comox Valley Record - December 12, 2007

Comox Valley councils and residents are discovering plans for the proposed Vancouver Island and Coast Discovery Centre.

The Comox Valley Economic Development Society is presenting the tentative plans for the discovery centre to local councils now that its own board has endorsed the project. This week, CVEDS began with Cumberland, which will be the centre’s home, if discussions with Trilogy Properties go through.

The centre, said economic development officer John Watson, would provide visitor information for an area roughly from Nanaimo north. It would also introduce tourists to the different ecosystems and industries in the area.

“This really does speak to what our committee felt was the overarching theme,” said Watson about the focus on “natural, cultural and industrial diversity.”

The project, tentatively set for Trilogy’s Lot 5 on the southeast section of the Comox Valley Parkway and Minto Road intersection, is proposed to include a dog walk, food area, gift shop, and a series of interactive displays that would teach people about the area’s environment — both natural and social.

“Right away you realize this is more than we here in the Comox Valley have experienced in visitor services in the past,” said Watson.

Buildings laid out in a village setting, connected by boardwalks that would protect the wetland area below, would house the interactive displays — moving people both indoors and outdoors as they learn about the mid-north Island.

The point, said Watson, is to not just give people information but direct them to opportunities that would get them to stay in the communities longer.

“It needs to be a place where we can influence a decision,” said Watson.

The estimated cost is over $5 million, but that’s only a guess at this point.

“It’s very preliminary,” said Watson. “It’s based purely on a concept and not any hard sketches.”

Tourism B.C. has already indicated its willingness to provide ongoing operating funding in the future, said Watson, because of the regional planning the centre includes.

Cumberland council thanked CVEDS for the presentation — but no action was required on the proposal at the time. Council said it would review the plans and return any feedback it has.