A multimillion dollar facility is being proposed to showcase P.E.I.’s diverse and thriving innovation, agriculture and energy industries.
The Homburg family of companies has pledged a $9-million gift to launch a 15,000 square foot science and discovery facility in the Confederation Court Mall in downtown Charlottetown.
The gift, in addition to a considerable amount of space, is providing support for the development stage of the project, says Phillip Homburg, president of the Homburg Institute.
“We’ve done the feasibility study,’’ he says.
“We’ve developed a fairly comprehensive business plan.’’
Homburg says long-term sustainability rests on the success of securing adequate corporate sponsorship and the needed revenue through annual customer fees to businesses and individuals who will visit the centre.
He says the facility, to be called P.E.I. Science + Discovery (PEI S+D), presents the opportunity to “create and become a beacon of innovation.’’
He adds PEI S+D will create about four full-time management positions as well as summer employment for a dozen or so college and university students/graduates.
“It will provide a much-needed hands-on component to the education systems of P.E.I., and create a new tourism element for the province,’’ he notes.
Related: Charlottetown science centre announcement causes concern for Summerside project
Homburg says while government engagement has been positive at the municipal, provincial and federal level, the business plan does not rely on government funding.
Corporate sponsorship and annual fees to businesses and individuals visiting the centre are seen as keys to long-term sustainability.
For the past 18 months, the management team of Homburg, Wraychel Horne, executive director of The Montessori School of Charlottetown, and Chuck Bridges, former vice president at Saint Mary’s University.
“We have held group consultations with leaders from the political, academic and business communities, and one-to-one industry talks,’’ says Homburg.
“Extensive time has been spent with educators from elementary curriculum developers to our post-secondary institution deans and leaders.’’
He adds a comprehensive feasibility study shows that although this is not a new concept, there is a clear desire for this type of facility in the capital city.
Charlottetown Mayor Clifford Lee welcomes the project as a means to enhance innovation and education in the province while adding another great tourism product to the city.
“The City of Charlottetown continues to see transformation and growth in our economy,’’ says Lee.
“Charlottetown is a destination, so it makes sense that this science and discovery facility will be located here, in the Birthplace of Confederation and the capital city of Prince Edward Island.’’
Debbie Plouffe, vice president of research at the Centre for Aquaculture Technologies, says the facility represents a unique opportunity to showcase and communicate the leadership, innovation and successes of P.E.I. science-based businesses.
“Creating an interactive environment for people of all ages to explore their interests in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math)-related topics engages them directly with the scientific community right here on the Island and forges a mutually beneficial connection between the technology sector and the public.’’
The facility is set to launch for summer of 2019.
