The Fraser River Discovery Centre is forging ahead with Phase 1 of a $2.25-million exhibit dubbed the Working River Project.
The exhibit, which is scheduled to open in 2017, will focus on the economic importance of the Fraser River, while considering its environmental and socio-cultural impact.
“It contributes literally millions of dollars to us. One in three cars that come into Canada come through that river,” said Stephen Bruyneel, the centre’s board chair. “We want people to understand that it’s not just a tug boat with a barge, but it’s actually part of their lives.”
Phase 1 consists of coming up with a concept and preliminary design plan, according to executive director Catherine Ouellet-Martin, who hopes to have a rough draft by the end of the summer. Phase 2, set to roll out next year, will have staff and stakeholders finalize the exhibit’s messaging – the “meat on the bone.” Construction, fabrication and installation of the exhibit, meanwhile, won’t start until 2017.
The Working River Project will occupy the centre’s lower floor galleries and will contain highly interactive programming for all ages.
“It’s important for us to deliver the messages in a very clear way. … That’s the whole plan, to take these sometimes very complex touchy subjects and just strip them down to the facts,” Ouellet-Martin told the Record. “Then visitors can make a decision after that.”
Phase 1 was made possible after five companies – Chevron Canada, Fraser Surrey Docks, Kinder Morgan, Port Metro Vancouver and Saam Smit Canada – made a financial commitment to the project. Bruyneel said the board will be working to secure more funding partners in the months to come.
The Fraser River Discovery Centre is located at 788 Quayside Drive.
