Nanaimo politicians are on board with a deep discovery centre proposed for the Harbour City.
The Nanaimo Deep Discovery Association has pitched a world-class ocean centre, with thrill attractions and interactive displays. It’s estimated at $30-40 million.
Council supported the concept in principle on Monday, but deferred any further city involvement in the project until proponents return with a business plan and funding model.
Coun. Wendy Pratt said she’s excited about the project.
“It’s something that fits well with our waterfront, certainly fits into the vision of what we had thought – some special thing that would really draw people to Nanaimo,” she said. “I am in full support of moving forward to find out if this is a possibility.”
In a press release, association president Lorne Hildebrand said the group needs an indication from the city this is a project it would like to see explored more extensively, before the association moves forward and hold serious discussions with fundraisers, suppliers and other potential partners. No location has been found for the site to date.
The association has launched a website about the project at www.ndda.ca.