Students, tourists and locals continue to enjoy the internationally recognized Creston Valley Wildlife Management Area as a major construction project is in the works.
However, before a new eco-friendly and low-impact Discovery Centre can be built, the existing Wildlife Centre must be demolished.
“It is a challenge for sure, we kind of deemed like a phase 1 and a phase 2.” Explains Senior Manager for the Kootenay-Columbia Discovery Centre Society Carla Ahern. “Phase 1 is ongoing, we built that temporary facility and we have staffing and funding to keep that running for 5 years.”
In order to keep existing educational programs a temporary Discovery Centre was built to accommodate summer programs, camps and the public.
“Phase 2 and on top of, we’re trying to figure out the ins and outs of what we need to do to determine building design and logistics behind fundraising and so many things like that. Luckily we have a Board, wonderful Board members and community working on phase 2.”
According to Ahern, demolishing the existing structure in protected wetlands requires careful consideration as to not disturb the environment and the animals which call the structure home.
“We know that the centre is used by a couple of wildlife species that are either of concern or threatened. That will be some local bat species as well as barn swallows.”
In response, the Wildlife Management Area has built a structure for barn swallows in the wetlands and a structure for a bat colony as alternative habitats close by.
Ahern says its the Provincial Government footing the bill for the demolition of the structure since they own the structure on the Wildlife Management Area property.
“what we do have to fund raise for, moving forward is all the money necessary, even the pre-design planning of the building and when it comes to the actual developments and building process.”
According to Ahern, they will be seeking grants, support from within the community and large corporate donations for the new building.
If you want to find out more, follow these links to the Creston Valley Wildlife Management Area and the Kootenay-Columbia Discovery Centre Society.