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A Shared Knowledge Hub for People and Place

The Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Centre will be the region's first permanent shared knowledge hub, an inclusive gathering place where communities, cultures, and ideas come together to strengthen the resilience of the Clayoquot Sound UNESCO Biosphere Region. 

Located in n̓ačiqs (Tofino), the traditional unceded territory of the ƛaʔuukʷiʔatḥ (Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation), the Centre will bring together education, research, culture, conservation, economic development and community wellbeing under one roof. 

More than a building, the Biosphere Centre is a regional investment in people and place, supporting lifelong learning, Indigenous knowledge sharing, leadership development, collaboration, and sustainable development for generations to come.

As Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation, we're deeply grateful for the Clayoquot Biosphere Trust's investment in the Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Centre. Situated in our traditional territory, the Centre will strengthen economic reconciliation and promote understanding of our region's cultural significance, ensuring a lasting legacy for youth and future generations.
— Lorena Frank, CBT Director and Biosphere Centre Development Committee member appointed by ƛaʔuukʷiʔatḥ (Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation) 

Clayoquot Sound Jeremy Koreski Clayoquot Biosphere Trust

Why it Matters

The Clayoquot Sound UNESCO Biosphere Region is globally recognized for its unique  ecological and cultural significance. Yet communities across the region face growing challenges, including climate change, housing and affordability pressures, social inequities, tourism pressures, and limited shared community infrastructure. 

The Biosphere Centre addresses this need by creating permanent shared infrastructure where people can learn, connect, collaborate, and innovate together to build more resilient, healthy, and thriving communities.

Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Centre Clayoquot Biosphere Trust

Spaces Designed for Community

The Centre is a three-storey, 10,464 sq. ft. facility designed to serve communities across the region. Key spaces include: 

  • UNESCO visitor centre 
  • Indigenous Elders room 
  • Community teaching kitchen 
  • Flexible learning and meeting spaces 
  • Research library and archives 
  • Shared office and collaboration spaces 
  • Outdoor gathering and learning areas 
  • Two integrated workforce housing units 

Together, these spaces will support education, cultural exchange, research, economic development and community wellbeing across the Biosphere Region. 

Progress

The Centre is a shovel-ready project with building permits in place and significant momentum behind it. 

The $21.5 million project has secured approximately $12.7 million through government investment, philanthropy, foundations, and community support, including a transformational $7.17 million grant from the Government of Canada through the Green and Inclusive Community Buildings program. 

The project has also received overwhelming regional interest, with more than 100 letters of support from First Nations, local governments, community organizations, educational institutions, businesses, and residents. It has also received the blessing of ƛaʔuukʷiʔatḥ (Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation), on whose traditional unceded territory the Centre will be built. 

Once the remaining funding is secured, construction is expected to take approximately 18–20 months to complete. 

Marcie Callewaert Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Region Clayoquot Biosph

What this Centre will deliver:

  • A community and visitor hub to support a year-round tourism economy  

  • A space for training and skills development for local workforce and youth  

  • A platform for Indigenous knowledge and cultural leadership  

  • A culturally safe and inclusive gathering space  

  • A living learning laboratory for environmental stewardship and climate action  

  • A model for low-carbon, climate-responsive design  

Who it serves:

  • Central nuučaan̓uł (Nuu-chah-nulth) Nations in whose territory we operate  

  • Residents of Tofino, Ucluelet, and the Alberni Clayoquot Regional District  

  • Youth and future leaders  

  • Researchers, educators, and knowledge holders  

  • Local non-profits, schools and training organizations  

  • Visitors seeking meaningful, place-based experiences  

Progress to date:

  • $21.5M Total project value 

  • Land secured and owned by CBT  

  • Design and Class A costing estimate complete  

  • Building permit issued (December 2025)  

  • $12.7M secured (as of June 2026)  

  • Indigenous partnership embedded from inception  

  • 100+ letters of support  

  • Self-sustaining social enterprise operating model  

  • Community-based, data-informed programming