The Clayoquot Biosphere Trust is celebrating a massive gust into its sails as it navigates towards building the West Coast’s first-ever biosphere centre.
The provincial government has propelled the project forward with a $1 million infusion from its Rural Economic Diversification and Infrastructure Program.
“This major investment signals provincial confidence in the transformative potential of the Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Centre, a $17 million facility now in the construction documentation phase in Tla-o-qui-aht First Nations territory, envisioned as a regional hub for learning, innovation, and sustainable development,” reads a May 22 statement announcing the funding.
“The Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Centre will serve as a cornerstone for economic resilience on the West Coast, fostering year-round employment, attracting and retaining talent, and nurturing small businesses and social enterprises.”
Bringing a biosphere centre to the region has long been a dream of the CBT, which purchased a 881 square-metre lot at 301 Olsen Road in Tofino in 2019 as the facility’s future home.
After maneuvering through public input processes and clearing municipal zoning hurdles, the project has now raised roughly 71 per cent of the $17 million it needs to cover the project’s capital costs following the province’s most recent $1 million endorsement.
“This investment from the Province of British Columbia brings us one step closer to realizing a shared vision for the Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Centre, a space rooted in community, reconciliation, and opportunity,” CBT executive director Rebecca Hurwitz said through May 22’s announcement.
“The Centre will create the conditions for sustainable economic development across the region by providing the infrastructure and cultural safety needed to support education, innovation, and entrepreneurship. We’re deeply grateful for the Province’s leadership and partnership as we move into the next phase of this transformative project,”
The CBT hopes to have the new facility built by the end of 2026.
The announcement touts the proposed facility’s potential community benefits through shared working spaces, a research library, education and training labs, teaching kitchen and cultural programming designed to empower you, preserve indigenous knowledge and support climate innovation.
“It will directly support underrepresented and equity-seeking populations in building skills and launching sustainable, community-rooted careers,” it reads.
“Once complete, it will serve as a permanent, culturally safe space for collaboration and economic development, supporting multiple sectors including tourism, conservation, education, and creative industries.”
Tofino’s former mayor and now Mid Island–Pacific Rim MLA Josie Osborne has been a longtime supporter of the project and was thrilled to announce the funding on behalf of the province.
“The CBT’s vision to develop the Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Centre in Tofino will support long-term economic growth and diversification in the region,” Osborne said. “The Centre will serve as a hub for economic reconciliation and will provide dedicated space to advance key sectors such as education, training, and tourism.”
