Learn More

To learn more about the Biosphere Centre project or to make a gift, please reach out to Michelle Hall

Timeline

2026 - Biosphere Centre opens!

2023 - Development of schematic designs underway. Open House event and digital survey for community feedback engagement.

2022 - District of Tofino Council votes unanimously to approve the rezoning of Olsen Rd. and formally adopts the new zoning bylaw and housing agreement.

2021 - Zoning Bylaw Amendment Application for the Biosphere Centre Site received approval to proceed and unanimously passed 2nd Reading by the District of Tofino Council.

2021 - CBT engages social procurement experts, Buy Social Canada, to help ensure that the construction and operation of the centre maximize local economic, cultural, human, physical, and social benefit.

2021 - CBT works closely with District Planning & Public Works staff on a Traffic Impact Assessment and a Site Servicing Brief to understand and address issues impacting the Crab Dock Neighbourhood, such as vehicle & pedestrian safety, parking, and surface water drainage. Both reports conclude that the proposed development of the Biosphere Centre would not result in any negative impacts on the surrounding neighbourhood or to the District’s utilities infrastructure.

2020 - Zoning Bylaw Amendment Application for the Biosphere Centre Site received approval to proceed and unanimously passed 1st Reading by the District of Tofino Council.

2020 - CBT initiates community engagement and concept design for the Biosphere Centre.

2019 - CBT purchases 301 Olsen Road to be the future home of the Biosphere Centre.

2018 - CBT launches the Biosphere Centre Endowment Fund and welcomes support from a small group of dedicated donors.

2017 - CBT continues to search for a central location that is a match for its vision and principles.

2015 - CBT explores the social enterprise model and develops a business case; Location analysis of multiple site options conducted.

2014 - CBT Board sets the vision for the Biosphere Centre grounded in nuučaan̓uł (Nuu-chah-nulth) principles; ƛaʔuukʷiʔatḥ (Tla-o-qui-aht First Nations) invites the CBT to continue to situate the Biosphere Centre in ƛaʔuukʷiʔatḥ Territory, in the heart of the Biosphere Region and to continue to serve all communities in the region from this central location. This invitation was witnessed by Chief Anne Mack of tukʷaaʔatḥ (Toquaht Nation), as well as Violet Clark representative of ʕaaḥuusʔatḥ (Ahousaht).

2012 - CBT invites community input to the Biosphere Centre concept and considers different models for its future home

2008 - CBT Board sets Biosphere Centre as one of three core priorities to be achieved over the next 10-20 years

Pre-2008 - Through the late 90’s and 2000’s, multiple local organizations express interest in building an environmental research and education centre linked to the UNESCO Biosphere designation (2000).