W.J. (Jack) Peake, Chair of the BC Island Coastal Economic Trust (Trust), has announced funding approval of $1,000,000 for the Deep Bay Field Station, to be built and managed by the Malaspina University-College’s Centre for Shellfish Research. The total cost of this project is estimated around $8,000,000.
“The Trust’s financial commitment for $1,000,000 to the Deep Bay Shellfish Station signals our strong support for this facility. I understand that the Centre has already obtained commitment of $3,300,000 towards the project goal of $8,000,000. The Trust’s commitment will send a strong signal to other potential funding partners that Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast endorses this economic development project so it can proceed into construction in the very near future. The Field Station responds to the Trust’s mandate to invest in agriculture and aquaculture, with the latter having a potential of becoming a $100 million industry in the future,” stated Jack Peake.
Don Tillapaugh, Director for the Centre for Shellfish Research, indicates that the Deep Bay Field Station will play a pivotal role in achieving this economic potential and creating 1,000 new jobs. “By clustering social, educational, economic, environmental, and scientific programming into one unique, world-class facility, we hope to create a centre of excellence and innovation that achieves general acceptance for the shellfish industry in BC and that commands the attention of the world’s shellfish growers and consumers” states Tillapaugh.
Ralph Nilson, President of Malaspina University-College, explains “the Deep Bay Field Station will continue Malaspina’s commitment to community development by supporting the regional economy. The Island Coastal Economic Trust is an important driver of economic development on Vancouver Island and shares with Malaspina the same values of education, economic growth, and most importantly, community support and innovation. Upon completion, the success of the Deep Bay Field Station will become locally and nationally recognisable through the students, scientists, and Aboriginal communities all benefiting from its shellfish aquaculture facilities.”
The Deep Bay Field Station will be built on a three hectare waterfront property in Deep Bay, at the southern end of Baynes Sound, between Denman Island and Vancouver Island. The facility will be architecturally unique, embracing and integrating green energy design, reflecting the unique physical location and the need for pristine water to support the shellfish industry.
