To further research, education and preservation of the unique marine and freshwater ecosystems in the Sunshine Coastal region.
The Pender Harbour Ocean Discovery Station (“PODS”) is an innovative new marine and freshwater research and education facility to be located in Pender Harbour on the Sunshine Coast of British Columbia. The Wilson 5 Foundation has pledged up to $8.4M to support building the main PODS research facilities at the Irvines Landing site in Madeira Park.
PODS is a project being led by the Loon Foundation. In 2017, the Loon Foundation signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Simon Fraser University (SFU) to partner on PODS programming, and to join forces in raising funds for researchers and students to use the PODS facilities. In 2019, a second Memorandum of Understanding was signed with Capilano University. These partnerships will greatly add to the existing pool of resources and bring new field research opportunities for students.
Current plans for PODS contemplate three “pod” buildings, a Discovery Pod, Explorer Pod and a Community Pod. The site will include an outdoor plaza, café, outdoor stage, live and virtual exhibits.