The Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Centre is an ambitious project to create a knowledge hub and UNESCO Visitor Centre within an innovative space that meets the rigorous Living Building Challenge standards.
The Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Centre project, led by the Clayoquot Biosphere Trust, will create vibrant and inclusive space in Tofino that supports programs delivery, fosters economic development, promotes sustainable tourism, and inspires social innovation.
The three-level, 9,400 square-foot facility will include a teaching kitchen, meeting rooms, a research library, Elders room, office space, and two long-term apartment rentals.
The project is supported through the Island Coastal Economic Trust’s Capital and Innovation Program for its focus on Training and Education; however, the initiative will contribute to several of the Trust’s impact priorities, including Food Security and Agrifood, Cultural and nature-based tourism, and Innovation and technology.
The Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Centre has received strong endorsement from the five nuučaanuł Nations in the region, educational institutions, and regional organizations such as 4VI and Tourism Tofino.
The project will enhance community wellbeing in a variety of ways.
Economic Prosperity: The Clayoquot Biosphere Trust has ambitious goals for its new Centre. By developing key resources, training programs, and community spaces , they aim to unlock opportunity to support 10 new businesses focused on sustainability, cultural vitality, and community resilience. The unique model also strives to help 47 businesses to expand, providing eco-tourism, indigenous cultural tours, and environmental conservation workshops that leverage the region’s nature, wellness, and art into sustainable economic activity.
The Centre will also operate as a social enterprise, re-investing any profits into growing its community programming. This unique model will support the growth of additional social enterprises.
Social Empowerment: The project will directly contribute to employment, creating three permanent full-time and two permanent part-time positions, along with seasonal roles and temporary construction-phase jobs. In total, it is expected to create 6 full-time equivalent jobs.
The Centre will also offer education, certification and upskilling opportunities, including culinary arts, environmental stewardship, and indigenous knowledge. Through a strong community engagement process, the project ensures that local stakeholders, including the five nuučaanuł First Nations, will have a sense of ownership and agency in shaping the Centre’s activities and programming.
Climate Resiliency: Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Region boasts rich cultural heritage and biodiversity, hosting some of the planet’s last intact temperate rainforests crucial for climate resilience. To support its natural surroundings, the Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Centre is designed to meet the Living Building Challenge standards, embracing systems that reduce embodied carbon, use non-combustion-based heating and geothermal energy, and collect rainwater.
The Centre will also serve as a gathering space during climate-related emergencies and will remain stocked with backup power and food provision.
Cultural Vitality: By creating culturally safe spaces, including a planned Elders room and Elder-in Residence program, the Centre will support language revitalization and knowledge transfer of traditional stories and skills. Additional programs will also include mentorship for Indigenous youth.
Nuučaanuł language will be prominently displayed through the building, too, providing further educational opportunities.
Jeff Bartlett
Communications and Impact Manager
Island Coastal Economic Trust
250-871-7797
jeff@islandcoastaltrust.ca
Rebecca Hurwitz
Executive Director
250-725-2219
rebecca@clayoquotbioosphere.org
Island Coastal Economic Trust approved funding for this project in November 2024 through the Capital and Innovation program.
As we work toward inclusive and resilient economic futures, we do so with a deep appreciation for the histories, contributions, and rights of the Kwak̓wala/Bakwam’kala, Nuučaa̓nuɫ, Éy7á7juuthem, Ligwilda'xw, Pəntl'áč, She shashishalhem, Hul’q’umi’num’, diitiidʔaatx̣, SENĆOŦEN, Skwxwú7mesh, Lekwungen, and T’Sou-ke speaking peoples.
