The Sunshine Coast region has great natural beauty and natural assets but has little dedicated tourism infrastructure. The region has long prioritized tourism as a key economic diversification and growth strategy.  With this in mind, the Sunshine Coast Botanical Garden Society acquired 40 acres of prime land in the Sechelt.  The plan was to develop a botanical garden, which would serve both as a demonstration and educational site and as a tourism draw.

Project GroundWork aimed to lay a foundation for a botanical garden site. Significant site preparation work was done with volunteer labour and equipment donations.  The project featured the construction of a West-Coast-Style public assembly building that is a perfect venue for conferences, meetings, events and cultural gatherings. The site also includes themed gardens, such as native, food and wild gardens which serve as the backdrop for tours and educational events.

Completed in 2011, thousands of visitors come to the Garden each year now, for special events, workshops for gardeners of all ages and levels, for public and private events, and to tour or simply enjoy the beautiful natural setting. The site also serves as an economic generator for the community as the public assembly building serves as a space for both personal and business gatherings. Several events including destination weddings have been held at the botanical garden. This niche market has resulted in new business opportunities. Wedding planners, photographers, caterers and other businesses related to special events have benefitted from the spin off impacts of this project. Volunteer garden membership has also increased by over 600 people who work on various new themed gardens and projects on site.