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Opening Ceremony July 28, 2005 - Lagoon Society Opens the Iris Griffith Interpretive Centre
Nearly a hundred people attended the Opening Ceremony, where speakers included Chief Stan Dixon of the Sechelt Indian Band, John Reynolds MLA, Ed Steeves and John Rees of the Sunshine Coast Regional District Board, Barry Janyk Mayor of Gibsons, Adriane Carr leader of the Green Party, and Mark Gifford of the Vancouver Foundation. Marie Gallant, Managing Director of Community Futures Development Association, congratulated everyone and read a letter from the Honourable Stephen Owen, Minister of Western Economic Diversification. Also in attendance were Arlene Schwertz of BC Hydro, along with members of the Pender Harbour Wildlife Society, Sunshine Coast Credit Union, Sunshine Coast Astronomy Club, and many supporters from near and far.
A golden ribbon to the Centre was untied by the youngsters Paulo and Michael and older generation Antonio Cogrossi. Anne Clemence and Julie Southerst from the Pender Harbour and District Wildlife Society, unveiled a unique topographical display of the Sakinaw watershed. Judy Osiowy performed her special Iris Griffith song for the occasion. Everyone who attended was invited by the Society to continue the celebrations with complimentary lunch provided by neighbouring Ruby Lake Resort to complete the day.
More Opening Ceremony Photographs
The Lagoon Society is very grateful to the generous contributions of the many private individuals, businesses, foundations, community groups, corporations, and government agencies that make up our many sponsors.
We gratefully acknowledge the financial assistance of the Province of British Columbia.
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The Ruby Lake Lagoon Nature Reserve Society Directors invited the community to mark the Opening of the new Iris Griffith Interpretive Centre, on Thursday July 28, 2005. The Iris Griffith Centre is a unique facility designed to help all ages enjoy, explore, learn and appreciate the natural wonders of British Columbia’s Sunshine Coast.
Dr Michael Jackson - Chair of the Society - said "This is a fantastic day for the whole Coast! It has been such an astounding achievement to complete this building in less than 7 months. And we are so grateful to all the people who worked so hard to make our dreams a reality. I feel that Iris has always been there in spirit showing us the way forward, and I’m sure she’ll continue to guide us in the years ahead."
The construction of the Iris Griffith Interpretive Centre would not have been possible without the enormous support from all levels of government, the community and the efforts of a growing group of dedicated supporters. Financing was provided in part by Western Economic Diversification Canada through the Softwood Industry Community Economic Adjustment Initiative. Additional sponsors include the Vancouver Foundation, McLean Foundation, Sunshine Coast Regional District, Sunshine Coast Community Foundation, Pender Harbour and District Wildlife Society, Pacific Salmon Foundation, QLT Inc., Terasen Gas, BC Hydro, West Coast Log Homes, the Sunshine Coast Credit Union, and many generous community members.
