Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region opens outreach centre in Qualicum Beach

Community members can learn and connect at the new centre dedicated to education and community engagement.

The Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region (MABR) is hosting a grand opening of its Public Outreach Centre on August 18. 

“For the past 10 years we’ve been waiting for the perfect space and this opportunity came up. It seemed like a great fit. It’s right in the heart of Qualicum and easily accessible,” said Mandy Fraser, MABR Coordinator. “This location is going to allow us to reach residents and visitors in the region in a way we haven’t been able to before. We’re really excited about this opportunity to facilitate connections between people and nature in different forms.”

Fraser said MABR hopes the centre will be used as a hub for information and connections not just for the organization but also partners and local stewardship groups.

The grand opening ceremony starts at 11 am on August 18 at the centre, located at 124 West 2nd Avenue. The event will begin with the announcement of the centre’s name, gifted by Qualicum First Nation. Speakers include Michael Recalma, Elected Chief Councillor of Qualicum First Nation; Teunis Westbroek, Mayor of Qualicum Beach; Dr. Pam Shaw, MABR Director and Research Director of Vancouver Island University’s (VIU’s) Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region Research Institute; and other special guests. After the speeches attendees can view the centre, enjoy refreshments and meet members of the MABR roundtable and Mid-Island Stewardship Caucus. 

The centre is open from Thursday to Saturday, from 10 am to 2 pm. MABR is focusing on educational displays and programming for youth of all ages.  

“We’re still in the early days getting everything developed but we are excited to hear what everyone would like to see in the space. If folks have ideas for educational content or things they’d like to see we’re definitely open to that,” said Fraser.

Plans for the outreach centre include allowing various partners and stewardship groups to use the space for meetings. And Fraser said MABR also hopes to develop a speaker series, so the centre can offer activities for all ages.

The MABR Public Outreach Centre will also provide office space for team members who previously worked at VIU’s Nanaimo campus, which is outside the biosphere region. This new location allows them to work within the biosphere and connect and share knowledge with the public. 

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Media Contact:

Rachel Stern, Communications Officer, Vancouver Island University

C: 250.618.0373 l E: Rachel.Stern@viu.ca | X: @VIUNews

The VIU community acknowledges and thanks the Snuneymuxw, Quw’utsun, Tla’amin, Snaw-naw-as and Qualicum First Nation on whose traditional lands we teach, learn, research, live and share knowledge.

About the Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region

The Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region (MABR) is governed by a roundtable, which consists of representatives from VIU’s Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region Research Institute (MABRRI), First Nations, municipalities and other organizations. MABRRI focuses on conducting research and community engagement initiatives primarily within the biosphere region but also supports VIU’s Academic Research Plan by working on projects across Vancouver Island.