The Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea (formerly known as the Shaw Ocean Discovery Centre) is a not-for-profit community aquarium and cultural learning centre dedicated to the ecosystem of the Salish Sea. It is located in the Sidney Pier Building on the waterfront in the Vancouver Island town of Sidney, Canada, in the Greater Victoria region. Since its grand opening on June 20, 2009, the Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea has become a highly regarded environmental education centre, as well as a popular attraction frequented by tourists and locals alike. The centre has won numerous awards, including being named "One of Canada's Top Ten New Attractions" for summer 2009 by Where magazine.
History
The development of the Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea started in 2004, when the Town of Sidney approved the development proposal by the Marker Group to build the Sidney Pier Hotel and condominium project on a waterfront site overlooking the Salish Sea. The construction of the Sidney Pier Building was approved by the town on the basis that the project would feature and fund a series of community amenities that included providing of space on the ground floor of the development that would be given to the town at no cost. Owned by the town, the space was originally intended to house the previously existing Marine Mammal Museum and Marine Ecology Centre. Board members from the two not-for-profit organizations recognized the opportunity the expanded space could offer and agreed to work together to create a marine attraction and education centre. The two groups established the non-profit New Marine Centre Society on February 14, 2005.
The founding volunteer board, chaired by Owen Redfern, included Terry Curran, Markus Grieser, Dr. John Harper, Dr. Rick Hudson, Cliff McNeil-Smith, Rhonda Reidy, Clive Tanner and Barbara Taylor. Town of Sidney councilor Peter Wainwright served as liaison to Town Council. In 2005, the board was supplemented with the addition of Peter Lloyd FCA, David Bartley, Richard Flader CA, Alastair Tough CMA, and noted ocean scientist Dr. Verena Tunnicliffe. During 2005, with the support of Sidney Mayor Don Amos, Sidney council and town staff, a lease agreement was negotiated whereby the New Marine Centre Society would essentially have free use of the town owned space for a period of twenty years (2009 to 2029) with an option for a further 10 year renewal. The society would be responsible for securing all capital and operational funding for what was then referred to as a marine museum.
Throughout 2005, the board prepared an economic feasibility study and business plan, conducted a survey of other facilities, considered potential design consultants, engaged in community consultations and developed a vision statement. In November 2005 the board hired Angus Matthews on a two-month contract to assess the information and community feedback the board had acquired. Matthews was asked to provide concept for the new facility. At this point, there was considerable urgency as Marker Group had the building well under construction and on target for a May 2006 opening. Matthews became a catalyst for action and presented the board with a bold proposal for a $5 million aquarium of the Salish Sea. With the support of the board, he presented the concept at a community meeting held at the Mary Winspear Centre in Sidney on December 14, 2005. Andre and Associates of Victoria assisted Matthews in producing the first conceptual drawings and experiential story-line for what soon became the final concept. The project now had considerable momentum. After conducting a search, the board appointed Angus Matthews as the first executive director of the society. Matthews' mandate was to finalize the concept, produce plans and budgets for both construction and operations, direct and participate in the fundraising campaign, oversee construction of the facility, develop a branding, marketing and communications program, and have a fully operational aquarium staffed, stocked and ready to open in 31 months by June 20, 2009.