In May 2007, the seed for this new venture was planted when people from several community groups met with staff from Esquimalt Parks and Recreation to brainstorm ideas about converting the concession stand into an education centre focused on cultural and natural history of the Gorge Waterway. Principal partners in this endeavour are SeaChange Marine Conservation Society, Seaquaria in Schools, Gorge Waterway Action Society, World Fisheries Trust and The Land Conservancy. Participants in Leadership Victoria took on this project as well, helping us to formulate a vision for the centre and work through initial planning process.
Over 200 people attended the Rivers and Oceans Festival on June 8th. The variety of events planned ensured that there was something to interest the whole family. Kids and their parents learned about marine life in the Gorge at the hands-on marine seaquarium and touch table, now permanently installed at the centre. The Gorge Waterway model was in action, drawing a steady stream of people. The model is a powerful teaching tool that graphically demonstrates human impacts on the watershed, both positive and negative.
The Kiwanis Club provided food and drinks for the crowds, and several groups had displays there for people to peruse. Students for Esquimalt High School offered voyageur canoe rides on the Gorge, and the Gorge Waterway initiative provided a very popular scavenger hunt that was enjoyed by children of all ages. Many people showed up to take part in an interpretive walk given by Cheryl Bryce, of the Songhees Nation. A large crowd enjoyed her informative talk about traditional uses of native plants and animals of the Gorge Waterway by First Nations people.
Photographs of past events held along the Waterway, when the Gorge was host to regattas, parties, international swimming and diving competitions and other events are on display in the Centre as well.
The centre is now open two days per week (Wed. and Sun. 11:00am - 4:00pm), and available for schools and other groups by appointment. A biologist is on hand to explain and guide explorations. The popular Gorge Waterway interactive model is housed there, available for use at community events and for school programs. Check out the website for more information:
www.seachangelife.net
Contact the Centre: 250-386-8036 GorgeDiscovery@gmail.com
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