New Net-Zero Carbon Building in Clayoquot Sound Will Support Innovation and Collaboration on the West Coast

May 16, 2024

A new net-zero carbon facility is coming to Clayoquot Sound after an investment of over $7.1 million from the federal government, the Clayoquot Biosphere Trust Society, private, and corporate contributions.

Announced by Minister Jonathan Wilkinson and the Clayoquot Biosphere Trust, the Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Centre will provide Tofino, Ucluelet, Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation, Ahousaht, Hesquiaht First Nation, Ucluelet First Nation, and Toquaht Nation with a shared space to learn, teach, and collaborate.

Some of the features are indoor and outdoor teaching spaces to serve residents and offer interpretive programs for visitors to learn about the significance of the Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Region. There will also be a teaching kitchen, where traditional harvest methods and other culinary training programs will attempt to address food security within the area.

Clayoquot Sound is home to one of Canada’s 19 United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) biosphere regions. Biosphere regions are sites of natural beauty dedicated to conserving biodiversity, sustainable development, climate action, and reconciliation. The centre will also serve as a UNESCO Visitor Centre to unite people through learning, culture, conservation, science, and research, generating a legacy of social responsibility, environmental sustainability, and economic resiliency. 

Quick facts

• The federal government is investing $7,172,318 in this project through the Green and Inclusive Community Buildings (GICB) program. The Government of British Columbia announced a $300,00 contribution from the Mass Timber Demonstration Program on July 12, 2023. 
• The GICB program was created in support of Canada’s Strengthened Climate Plan: A Healthy Environment and a Healthy Economy. It is supporting the Plan’s first pillar by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, increasing energy efficiency, and helping develop higher resilience to climate change. 
• The program is providing $1.5 billion over five years towards green and accessible retrofits, repairs, or upgrades. 
• At least 10% of funding is allocated to projects serving First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities, including Indigenous populations in urban centres.
• The application period for the Green and Inclusive Community Buildings Program is now closed.

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