The Pacific Ocean Discovery Station is a state-of-the-art marine aquatic research centre, educational facility, and tourism destination that will help diversify and strengthen the local economy of the Sunshine Coast, while working towards solutions to the most pressing environmental challenges.
Based on years of research and consultation, PODS has been strategically designed to provide economic, demographic, and social opportunities for the Sunshine Coast. Research at the facility will focus on environmental health in aquatic environments, providing laboratories, equipment, and learning opportunities for researchers and students.
In addition, the net-zero carbon facility will offer diverse galleries, performance spaces, programs, events, and a restaurant to attract visitors year-round, stimulating the local economy and providing robust employment and training opportunities.
The project is being developed by The Loon Foundation in direct partnership with the shíshálh Nation via a groundbreaking formal Relationship Agreement. This agreement establishes a collaborative, consent-based governance model granting the shíshálh Nation joint control over all development and operational decisions.
The Trust is investing in PODS through it Capital and Innovation Program, in line with the Investment Priority of Culture and Nature-Based Tourism.
Wellbeing Impact
The Trust invests in projects using a Wellbeing Impact Framework that looks beyond traditional economic metrics. This approach evaluates how each investment strengthens economic prosperity, cultural vitality, climate resilience, and social empowerment. By focusing on outcomes that matter to people and place, the Trust works to spur new investments that create meaningful, lasting benefits across Vancouver Island and the coast.
PODS has been strategically designed to address the economic, demographic, and social challenges on the Sunshine Coast and will diversify the economy by creating a year-round tourism destination, providing local employment, and offering educational opportunities to attract visitors, scientists, and students.
Economic Prosperity
This project strengthens the local economy by:
Social Empowerment
The project supports social empowerment with:
Climate Resiliency
The project will contribute to climate resiliency by:
Cultural Vitality
The project will strengthen cultural vitality by:
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.
