BC Hydro Discovery Centre Reopens Today - Approaches 100,000th Visitor!

The Campbell River Hydroelectric Facilities Discovery Centre will open today! With the anticipation of soon welcoming the 100,000th visitor since opening in fall 2013. 

We reached Stephen Watson from BC Hydro, who explained their reopening schedule.

“[the starting hours will be] Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from 9:30am to 4:30pm.”

In total, 99,380 people have visited the centre with the 100,000th visitor likely passing through in march. BC Hydro and the Museum at Campbell River have a gift basket ready for the lucky visitor.    

“With the amazing suspension bridge at Elk Falls opening up in May 2015, we have had 16,000 people visit the discovery centre each year. But of course with Covid its been a challenge, but we successfully managed to get about 5000 people per year.”

“We’re about 600 visitors short of the 100,000 which is exciting. BC Hydro and the Museum of Campbell River have worked together to provide a gift basket, as a recognition of the value of the discovery Centre and the interest, which we really appreciate, of the community in checking it out.”

Maybe one of our listeners will be that lucky person! 

Watson explained some of the things the exhibit focuses on,

“It was open in the fall of 2013, we focused on the John Hart Station Replacement project. As well as the history of the watershed when it was built in the 40’s and 50’s, the facilities, how we operate, social and environmental considerations.”

“And then a few years ago with the completion of the John Hart Station project, we shifted some of the content towards the proposed Dam Safety Project.” Watson said. 

People can follow the projects along, including seeing a new video on the John Hart Dam seismic upgrade project on the touchscreen tv.

BC Hydro and the Museum at Campbell River have partnered together since 2014 on the staffing of the centre, as well as bringing Museum content into the centre.

Watson told us that they have collaborated to make the Museum more affordable if you also visit the Discovery Centre, “If you attend the Discovery Centre you get a discount to go to the Museum at Campbell River, which about a year ago was rated one of the top 10 museums in Canada, so its pretty cool that its right here in Campbell River.”    

The Centre, located beside the Elk Falls Suspension Bridge parking lot off Brewster Lake Road, will be open Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm until May 15, where it will then be open five days a week through September. There is no admission fee.