Gibsons Public Market is getting $360,725 from the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program. West Vancouver-Sunshine Coast-Sea to Sky Country MP Pam Goldsmith-Jones made the announcement Dec. 10 at the market building on Gower Point Road.
It was a confirmation of money the Gibsons Community Building Society already knew was coming as part of the $3.2 million it’s raised so far.
In an update to Gibsons council a few days before the announcement, the society said they’re still working to secure the final $400,000 needed to reach their fundraising goal.
The Canada 150 grant will help pay for the market’s Nicholas Sonntag Marine Education Centre, which is expected to open next summer.
“We are very grateful for this significant federal government support of the Nicholas Sonntag Marine Education Centre,” said society president Pam Robertson.
“We look forward to creating an important learning destination where residents and visitors of the Sunshine Coast will experience inspiring and lasting connections to our local Salish Sea waters for generations to come.”
The project will also involve the participation of the Squamish First Nation, and Goldsmith-Jones noted that “projects that involve strong partnerships with indigenous communities and contribute to a cleaner, greener environment are priorities for this government.”
