By Ian Holmes

City floats feasibility funds to proposed Ocean Discovery Centre

Aug 14, 2018 | 5:44 PM

NANAIMO — A life preserver has been tossed to keep the idea of an Ocean Discovery Centre on Nanaimo’s waterfront afloat.

City Council approved $65,000 to the Nanaimo Deep Discovery Association (NDDA) for feasibility related costs. The Association has worked for more than two years to establish plans for a virtual reality deep sea exploration facility on the southern edge of downtown waterfront land supplied by the City.

Coun. Ian Thorpe said it’s not uncommon for the City to provide incentives to non-profit groups who try to make Nanaimo a better place.

“I can see a potential for it bringing great value to our city in terms of a major tourist attraction, so I’m quite willing to advance seed money.”

The $65,000 transfer is contingent on the City having full access to the Association’s findings, reports and studies.

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Coun. Sheryl Armstrong was the lone vote opposed to advancing the idea. She said the group originally stated it would not ask for local taxpayer support beyond land.

“Secondly it totally depletes the Council contingency fund, leaving no money until next budget. I’ll be voting no for that reason,” Armstrong said.

The NDDA originally asked the City for $100,000 in support, which led to extensive negative reaction.

The group’s original mission statement included a pledge the proposed $50 million facility would not involve local tax dollars and many felt the request was a bait-and-switch move after people were already excited about the concept.

Last week, the NDDA provided an update on its ongoing effort during a press conference. Vice-president Tim Tessier said the $65,000 from the City was essential in order to proceed. He said their group has raised nearly $118,000 in cash and in-kind services to help make the centre a reality.

Tessier said feasibility work will create a much stronger case to access necessary senior government funds.

He added Snuneymuxw First Nation has verbally expressed its support for the project, which would be located at 1 Port Dr.

The proposed Ocean Discovery Centre, which would include a virtual submarine ride attraction, also received a recent boost of $30,000 from the Nanaimo Hospitality Association.

ian@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @reporterholmes