Association of Vancouver Island Coastal Communities

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Friday Morning Pre-Conference Program

To accommodate those planning to travel up in the morning, two late morning study tours are planned.  Delegates must pre-register for both using the conference registration form.  Light refreshments will be available at the start of each session.  Register for these sessions using the Conference Registration Forms.

Study Tour of the New Ucluelet Aquarium
10:30 – 11:30 am
Meet at the Ucluelet Aquarium, Main Street Waterfront Promenade
Cost:  $10

Take an insider’s look at the newest building on the West Coast! Ucluelet Aquarium Society (UAS) executive director, Dave Hurwitz, will lead a tour of the new Ucluelet Aquarium as staff and volunteers ready the exhibits for the aquarium’s grand opening in late spring of 2012. This facility is a shining example of community pride and represents a considerable amount of volunteer determination. Dave will discuss the history of the UAS and the evolution of the “mini-aquarium” pilot project that led to the construction of this jewel on Ucluelet’s harbourfront. Dave will cover the aquarium’s significance as a draw for visitors to our region and the partnerships that helped bring this idea to fruition. Fostering symbiosis with both the tourism and educational sectors has been a big part of the Ucluelet Aquarium’s success and Dave will explain the value of our local government’s support in helping bring this dream to fruition. Non-profits are the fastest growing sector of the Canadian economy and their role in creating jobs and the subsequent fundraising advantages they provide will be discussed. A question and answer period with Dave will round out the tour.

 Study Tour of the Wild Pacific Trail with ‘Oyster Jim’ Martin
10:30 am – Noon
Meet at the Ucluelet Community Centre, 500 Matterson Drive
Cost:  $10

The Wild Pacific Trail is Oyster Jim’s 20-year quest to make his vision a reality.  Undertaking public interest projects then and now and why it is crucial to not only remove roadblocks, but also be proactive in seeing that projects such as these get completed will be discussed.

The Wild Pacific Trail located in the District of Ucluelet is a seven-phase trail system skirting the rugged cliffs and shoreline of the west coast of Vancouver Island.  The trail offers spectacular shoreline panoramas and seaward vistas through ancient cedar forests and from spruce-framed viewing platforms.  Three sections of the trail are now complete.  The trail is available free of charge to hikers and is appropriate for all fitness levels.

This tour will begin indoors at the Ucluelet Community Centre with an overview and discussion of the history, granting, land and community partnering that has been and continues to be involved in building the trail.  Oyster Jim will then take participants down to join the trail behind the Black Rock Resort where he will point out various highlights of the trail system.  There will be plenty of opportunities for questions and answers.

Please wear proper footwear and clothing for a light hike and bring an umbrella and raincoat.