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Benefits to the Community This unique and innovative project will provide many educational, economic, environmental and community benefits to the people of the Sunshine Coast. There are currently no facilities of the type envisaged in this proposal on the Coast. As Dr. John Richardson from UBC points out in his letter of support, “There is a void of natural history centres in B.C., especially in a place like the Sunshine Coast, where there are so many interesting species at risk and special ecosystems.” The Centre will be an educational resource available for a great number of people to enjoy. It will be open to the public and available for school and college visits. Elementary and secondary school students from the Sunshine Coast and beyond will visit the Centre and local teachers will have the opportunity to move their classrooms to the Field Studies Centre for an entire week to participate in the Nature School program. Adult professionals and hobbyists will be able to take advantage of the many educational courses and workshops on offer. The facility will provide valuable opportunities for hands-on experiences that will help young people in particular with their future career prospects. The Centre will serve an important role in local environmental education. It is widely recognized that environmental education programs are of utmost importance in helping children develop environmental awareness, values, attitudes, skills and behaviours consistent with sustainable development. Studying and exploring the environment teaches children about the earth’s natural resources while fostering a sense of respect for living things. The Centre will allow young people on the Sunshine Coast to learn first hand about the plants, animals, and habitats of their home region and the environmental issues that affect them. It will play a vital role in helping children to form the personal connections to the natural world that are so vital for the years to come. The Centre will also help to enhance the knowledge, understanding and appreciation of First Nations’ traditions and cultural heritage. The Sechelt Band is an active partner in the project, and will contribute to the design of the Centre and help develop workshops such as First Nation Art and Design, Archaeology, and Natural Medicine. Interpretive Centre displays will highlight natural and archaeological features found in this part of the traditional territory of the Sechelt Nation. The project will promote and enhance the region's profile by creating a world class “draw” to the local area which will complement existing assets. The Centre will increase the number of discerning families, students, teachers, eco-tourists, professionals and naturalists who want to visit the Sunshine Coast specifically to attend the facility. Existing or potential tourism attractions and promotions, including Spipiyus Provincial Park, Francis Point Marine Park, and the Skookumchuk Rapids, will be introduced and explored through the Interpretive Centre and highlighted as forward destinations for travellers and visitors The project will produce direct spin offs to the local economy. Local businesses will benefit directly from visitors staying in the area longer, rather than simply passing through. An active, concerted effort will involve partnering with local eco-tourism operators, bed and breakfasts, hotels, and other local businesses. A comprehensive marketing plan will be developed to capture and maximize the potential of the Centre to attract a worldwide naturalist and eco-tourist audience, focusing in particular on North American and European clients. At least 4 new permanent full-time equivalent jobs will be created, including a full-time Centre Manager and a Field Studies Course Director, plus 2 part-time Centre staff and 2 part-time maintenance staff after operating Year 1. Course tutors and guides will also be appointed to undertake individual courses.
Additional jobs and economic benefits will be created during the building construction process. The design and construction teams will be recruited from the local area and all materials used will be sourced locally wherever possible.
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