Backgrounder: Government of Canada invests $3.5 million to drive innovation and economic growth on Vancouver Island
Today, the Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada (PacifiCan), announced $3.5 million in PacifiCan funding for eight Vancouver Island-based organizations to advance innovation, attract visitors, and boost the region’s leadership in areas such as ocean technology and Indigenous tourism.
The projects announced today are:
Business Scale-Up and Productivity Program
Fluorescent Design
$569,000
Funding will enable Fluorescent Design, an e-commerce company, to develop new, innovative apps and enhance existing ones. Fluorescent Design produces templates and apps that clients can use on Shopify, an online storefront for businesses. This investment will allow Fluorescent Design to hire more employees, develop new revenue streams and expand their reach.
Industrial Plankton
$900,000
Funding will help Industrial Plankton establish a new manufacturing facility for its energy-efficient bioreactors. This technology produces algae and seaweed to feed shellfish, which are used for both human consumption and ocean restoration projects. This investment will expand Industrial Plankton’s production capacity, boost sales and create jobs, all while advancing environmental sustainability.
Open Ocean Robotics
$800,000
Funding will allow Open Ocean Robotics to increase production of its Uncrewed Surface Vehicles, which are solar-powered, autonomous boats that provide real-time ocean information. This technology helps researchers monitor ocean conditions and track marine life in challenging environments, making it safer, easier and more affordable to protect our oceans. PacifiCan funding will allow the Victoria-based company to expand operations, access new markets, create jobs and position Vancouver Island as a hub for marine solutions and environmental stewardship.
Jobs and Growth Fund
Namgis Business Development Corp.
$252,000
Funding will help establish a community-owned driving school that provides Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC) certified driver training and licensing for Indigenous community members. The program will serve 12 remote communities, where residents would have previously needed to travel about 200 km to the closest ICBC-certified school. By offering accessible driving instruction, Namgis will increase employment opportunities for local workers in industries such as construction, transportation and energy.
Tourism Growth Program
Alder Bay RV Park and Marina
$250,000
Funding will help expand Alder Bay RV Park and Marina in Port McNeill. This expansion will include critical infrastructure upgrades needed for installation of up to 14 made-in-B.C. mobile cottages. Alder Bay offers a variety of tourism experiences, such as fishing, kayaking, whale-watching and scuba diving, and this expansion will allow the Park to meet the growing demand of visitors to northern Vancouver Island.
Canadian Amateur Rowing Association
$250,000
Funding will help develop the new National Training Centre at Lake Quamichan, transforming it into a premier rowing and sports tourism hub and launching the Cowichan Valley as Canada’s destination for local, national and international rowing regattas. The Centre will also be the first purpose-built para-rowing facility, providing accessible opportunities for athletes and tourists, and will host other water activities including Indigenous canoeing and kayaking.
City of Port Alberni
$248,000
Funding will create a vibrant market with an Indigenous focus and outdoor performance space at the Clutesi Haven Marina Uplands in Port Alberni. In partnership with the Hupačasath and Tseshaht First Nations, the City of Port Alberni will transform the site into a unique cultural experience that encourages visitors to extend their stay in the region and creates business opportunities for Indigenous entrepreneurs.
Métis Provincial Council of British Columbia
$250,000
Funding will help transform the Point Ellice House, a national and provincial historic site, into an Indigenous reconciliation tourism experience. The restoration of this iconic Victoria landmark will showcase Métis culture and heritage, offering visitors an authentic and meaningful connection to Indigenous history and traditions. PacifiCan funding will support facility upgrades and new programming.