New Funding Equips Marine Research Station to Enhance Sunshine Coast Economy
Island Coastal Economic Trust and Loon Foundation announce $300K investment in innovative, community-driven project
kalpilin, Pender Harbour, BC – A new state-of-the-art marine research, education, and tourism facility set to enhance the Sunshine Coast economy is receiving a major boost with the announcement of a new investment from Island Coastal Economic Trust.
The Pacific Ocean Discovery Station (PODS) will be a world-class aquatic research centre and year-round tourism destination project from The Loon Foundation and shíshálh Nation, developed to create new jobs, strengthen local communities, and support long-term scientific research.
Shaped by years of business planning and consultation to address the economic, demographic, and social needs of the Sunshine Coast, the project has now secured a $300,000 investment from the Trust through its Capital and Innovation funding program.
“Developed by and for our community, this investment will deliver a significant economic boost to the Sunshine Coast while providing timely research to help inform our response to the climate emergency and other pressing environmental challenges,” said Lana Brandt, Interim Executive Director of the Loon Foundation. “The project will also foster cultural understanding and create a vital hub where our community can connect, collaborate, and foster a deeper appreciation for the natural world. Support from Island Coastal Economic Trust strengthens our ability to bring this vision to life.”
Currently, the project is projected to support the local community with the creation of 26 permanent full-time jobs, nine part-time jobs, the creation of a new social enterprise, more than 200 volunteer opportunities, and the formation of 11 significant partnerships across First Nations, local governments, and educational and community sectors.
In addition to its research capacity, the net-zero carbon facility will feature diverse public attractions—including exhibits, a performance venue, programs, seasonal and year-round events, and a waterfront restaurant—designed to attract visitors in all seasons.
The Trust’s investment in PODS is guided by its Wellbeing Impact Framework, which evaluates projects based on economic prosperity, cultural vitality, climate resilience, and social empowerment. This lens ensures that investments contribute meaningful and lasting benefits for people and places across Vancouver Island and the coast.
“It’s an honour to have partnered on this initiative for over five years now, informing the Society’s development of their business plan for a new social enterprise that will create long-lasting benefits for the Sunshine Coast and its residents,” said Trust CEO Brodie Guy. “We’re delighted to now be investing directly, a testament to our confidence in what’s possible when innovation, First Nations partnerships, environmental stewardship, and community wellbeing guide development.”
Construction for the facility will begin in spring 2026 and is projected to conclude in 2028. The total project value is $30 million, representing a major investment in cultural, educational, and environmental infrastructure on the Sunshine Coast.
For more information visit: islandcoastaltrust.ca/project/capital-innovation-program/pacific-ocean-discovery-station-pods/
About Island Coastal Economic Trust
Island Coastal Economic Trust is the regional development organization founded by the Province of British Columbia under the North Island-Coast Development Initiative Trust Act to serve Vancouver Island and the surrounding coast. We partner with First Nations, local governments, businesses, and non-profits to drive prosperity and diversify the coastal economy through strategic economic investments. Over $401 million in direct new investment has been attracted to coastal B.C. through our partnerships since 2006. We believe that meaningful and lasting change is best achieved through strong, collaborative partnerships that unite people, communities, sectors, and resources. As we work toward inclusive and resilient economic futures, we do so with a deep appreciation for the histories, contributions, and rights of the Kwak̓wala/Bakwam’kala, Nuučaa̓nuɫ, Éy7á7juuthem, Ligwilda’xw, Pəntl’áč, She shashishalhem, Hul’q’umi’num’, diitiidʔaatx̣, SENĆOŦEN, Skwxwú7mesh, Lekwungen, and T’Sou-ke speaking peoples.
The Trust’s mandate has been to support economic diversification and growth across Vancouver Island, the Sunshine Coast, and islands and inlets from the Salish Sea to Cape Caution (see Our Region). Serving more than half a million residents, the Trust partners with communities in the development and financing of their economic infrastructure and diversification efforts through a unique structure that is led by and accountable to communities.
About The Loon Foundation/PODS
The Loon Foundation is a registered non-profit charity dedicated to protecting biodiversity, connecting people with the natural world, and fostering responsible stewardship for future generations.
Developed in close collaboration with the shíshálh Nation, the Pacific Ocean Discovery Station (PODS) will be a vibrant, net-zero facility that inspires, engages, and empowers all its visitors, students, and academic researchers with the wonders of the coastal waters of our region. PODS aims to demonstrate by example that scientifically-driven decision-making is essential to finding viable solutions to the most pressing environmental challenges of our time.
Media Contacts:
Kyle Wells
Manager, Communications and Impact
Island Coastal Economic Trust
kyle@islandcoastaltrust.ca
250-871-7797
Lana Brandt
Interim Executive Director
The Loon Foundation
media@loonfoundation.org
778-833-2954
