For Immediate Release Port Moody, BC – May 20, 2015
Burrard Inlet Marine Enhancement Society hatches a new education centre
After 17 months of planning and construction, the newly built Mossom Creek Hatchery & Education Centre, is set to open its doors this week. A fire in December 2013 completely destroyed the hatchery building and contents, including over 150,000 chum, coho and pink salmon eggs. The loss of the building put 37 years of salmon enhancement programming on hold and dozens of volunteers out of work.
Volunteer efforts were redirected to building a new world class hatchery & education centre that will focus on hands on environmental education and allow several longstanding programs to continue.
“Thanks to the efforts of many volunteers and supporters, we now have a beautiful and functional education centre set deep in the forest beside one of the most pristine streams in the Lower Mainland. Its presence honours the environmental values that are so fundamental to the citizens of the Tri-Cities,” says co-founder of Mossom Creek Hatchery, Ruth Foster
This modern day ‘barn raising’ includes a long list of contributions from building partners and grantors. Lafarge Canada Inc. was instrumental in providing innovative new building solutions on a tight building schedule, along with partners SNC Lavalin and significant grant contributions from Pacific Salmon Foundation, Imperial, the Government of BC (Ministry of Environment), Vancity Credit Union and the Port Moody Rotary Club.
“The Mossom Creek Hatchery rebuild allowed us to support our three community investment pillars – education, environment and sustainable construction. In addition, our employees were able to provide hands-on help by volunteering during work hours,” comments David Redfern, Vice President and General Manager of Lafarge in Vancouver.
Environmental education supported by Port Metro Vancouver
The opening of this new 3,200 square feet facility will be supported by ongoing fundraising efforts and a newly announced grant contribution by Port Metro Vancouver. The grant will total $125,000 over 3 years and will be directed towards new watershed and marine programming and operations.
As Canada’s largest port, we facilitate Canada’s growing trade while providing a high level of environmental protection,” said Robin Silvester, President and Chief Executive Officer from Port Metro Vancouver. “We are proud to support the Mossom Creek Hatchery and Education Centre programs, promoting environmental education and stewardship amongst the community around the Burrard Inlet.”
The Mossom Creek Hatchery & Education Centre officially opens its doors to the public on Saturday, May 23rd, 10am-3pm. The community is invited to tour the new two story facility, visit the education centre and learn about local watershed and marine stewardship. Displays, refreshments and nature crafts will be on hand.
About the Burrard Inlet Marine Enhancenment Society
Established in 1976, the Mossom Creek Hatchery site is recognized as the longest running community hatchery in the Salmonid Enhancement Program of Fisheries and Oceans Canada. The Burrard Inlet Marine Enhancement Society (BIMES) is a 100% volunteer-run organization that focuses on education and stewardship activities in the Burrard Inlet area.
BIMES manages the Mossom Creek site and has developed programming to support hundreds of students and community members each year through hands on learning activities that take place on site, in the watershed, and in “stream to sea” programs around the Burrard Inlet.
More information about BIMES and the Mossom Creek Hatchery & Education Centre can be found at www.mossomcreek.org. Directions are on the website.
Burrard Inlet Marine Enhancement Society
