Good News for the Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Centre Project!

Wickaninnish Inn Donation for the Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Centre Clayoquot Biosphere Trust

In a remarkable display of commitment to community and environmental stewardship, the Wickaninnish Inn has pledged an astounding $150,000 over the course of five years to support the Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Centre. In a generous gesture, they have already contributed $40,000 as their inaugural installment.

This significant backing from the Wickaninnish Inn holds great meaning for us as it underscores the support the local business community is providing for this vital initiative. We believe that the Wickaninnish Inn's dedication will inspire others to join hands in championing this essential project for the region.

The future Biosphere Centre, a beacon of education, science, conservation, and cultural initiatives on the West Coast, will play a pivotal role in fostering communities united around principles of reconciliation, youth empowerment, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable development. It is envisioned as a space to bring people together, creating a legacy of social responsibility, environmental sustainability, and economic resilience. Through collaborative efforts to advance community health and safeguard ecosystems, we are working towards a future marked by a healthy environment and resilient communities.

With an estimated cost of $15 million, the Biosphere Centre has made significant progress thanks to philanthropic donors like the Wickaninnish Inn. The CBT is eagerly awaiting decisions on significant support from the federal and provincial governments including a Green & Inclusive Community Building (GICB) and a Rural Economic Diversification and Infrastructure Program (REDIP) application —all anticipated in the coming months. Our relentless focus is on fundraising to realize this visionary project.

The acquisition of land, rezoning, and completion of all building designs are now accomplished milestones. The next stage of the project is construction documentation, a 16-week process before construction, with the goal of completing the capital project by the end of 2026.

Together, let's build a sustainable, vibrant, and united future for our community and the environment! To learn more about the Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Centre project, we invite you to connect with Michelle Hall at michelle@clayoquotbiosphere.org.

We're Hiring Clayoquot Biosphere Trust

Join our Team!

August 17, 2026
This position has now been filled. Thank you for your interest!  The Community Initiatives Assistant supports the delivery of community-based programs, networks, and initiatives that advance the Clayoquot Biosphere Trust and Coastal Family Resource Coalition’s mission and strategic priorities.
Youth and Education Grants Clayoquot Biosphere Trust

Announcing the 2026 Youth & Education Grants

August 2, 2026
This year, $38,000 was awarded to seven inspiring projects in the region. These grants aim to address urgent needs for youth, as highlighted in our 2023 Vital Signs report. They focus on building capacity, providing education and training opportunities, and fostering connections among youth across communities in the region. Additionally, the grants support youth-driven projects and promote education and discussion around multiculturalism, inclusiveness, and diversity.
Rising Tide Surf Vital Grant Clayoquot Biosphere Trust Ivan Wells JR

Announcing the 2026 Vital Grant Recipients

August 1, 2026
This year, $92,000 was awarded to four inspiring projects in the region. These grants focus on addressing regional priorities and complex challenges that influence sustainability in the region. They also aim to support meaningful, longer-term collaboration between organizations, communities, and cultures.
Ruby Novogrodsky Research & Environment Grant Clayoquot Biosphere Trust

Announcing the 2026 Research & Environment Grant Recipients

July 31, 2026
This year, $20,000 was awarded to four projects in the region. These projects address threats to key species and ecosystems and uplift nuučaan̓uł (Nuu-chah-nulth) ways of knowing. Efforts also focus on habitat conservation, restoration, and protection for ecologically and culturally important species and ecosystems.
Community Development Grant Clayoquot Biosphere Trust

Announcing the 2026 Community Development Grant Recipients

July 30, 2026
This year, ten inspiring projects in the region have been awarded over $38,000 in funding. These grants are dedicated to fostering accessible, inclusive, healthy, supportive, equitable, and sustainable communities. Together, they help build a stronger and more united region.
2026 Arts Culture Grant Clayoquot Biosphere Trust

Announcing the 2026 Arts & Culture Grant Recipients

July 28, 2026
This year, eight impactful projects across the region received a total of $ 28,000 in funding. These grants support arts and cultural activities that encourage inter-generational participation, build connections across communities and cultures, and create opportunities to learn from one another.
Braedon Youth Summer Intern Clayoquot Biosphere Trust

Welcome Back Braedon!

July 27, 2026
We're so happy to welcome him for a second summer as our Youth Intern. After joining the CBT team last year, he's spending his college break with us again, continuing to learn, contribute to local projects, and connect with the community. 
Charles McDiarmid Clayoquot sound Biosphere Centre Clayoquot Biosphere Trust Michael Becker

Donor Spotlight: Charles McDiarmid

July 24, 2026
The Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Centre is one step closer to becoming a reality thanks to the support of donors who believe in the power of community, learning, and stewardship. We're proud to spotlight Charles McDiarmid, owner of the Wickaninnish Inn, whose generosity is helping bring this vision to life. 
Wild West Coast Adrian Dorst

Book Launch: The Wild West Coast by Adrian Dorst

July 8, 2026
Join acclaimed author, photographer, and naturalist Adrian Dorst for the launch of his new book, The Wild West Coast. Through a collection of compelling photographs, Adrian provides a window into Clayoquot Sound's mysterious rainforest and its wild valleys, as well as an elusive glimpse of many of its secretive inhabitants.