Campbell River Maritime Heritage Centre

History

The project originated as a result of the District of Campbell River soliciting ideas from the citizens on the potential uses for the land near the Discovery Pier. A group of Campbell River Daybreak Rotarians proposed that a Maritime Heritage Centre be built to showcase the history of the Sea and its links to the community. The Rotarians and the City approved the concept and entered into an agreement whereby the club through a separate society would build this Centre and, upon completion, turn the facility over to the district and a separate society who, in turn, would run the facilities.

Fundraising was initiated in 2000, construction started in October 2001 and the Campbell River Maritime Heritage Society will be taking over Management, Maintenance and Operations of the facility in December of 2004.

Building the Maritime Heritage Centre was a Community Service Project of mammoth proportions for the Daybreak Rotary Club that will impact Campbell River and the surrounding communities for years to come. The Centre will not be a Museum, but rather a high density activity centre, containing facilities for education, research, exhibitions, social engagements and the restoration and housing of the BCP 45 seiner that once adorned the back of the Canadian five dollar bill.