Nine months of negotiation between Shared Services BC and the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority (GVHA) to secure a lease for the Maritime Museum of BC in Victoria’s old steamship terminal are at an impasse.

As a result, Shared Services BC has informed both the museum and the GVHA today that it is not able to provide any ongoing financial support or fund capital improvements at the steamship terminal.

The ministry has also asked the museum to vacate 28 Bastion Square by Sept. 30, 2015, to avoid risk to staff and to assess the state of the building, which is in disrepair.

In October 2014, the former home of the museum in Bastion Square was closed due to safety concerns. A search was conducted and several alternate sites were identified, but the museum chose to pursue the steamship terminal location exclusively - an arrangement that would not be financially viable.  In addition, an estimated one-million-dollar renovation would be needed to prepare the location for the requirements of the museum.

Shared Services BC is ready to assist the Maritime Museum in any future negotiations for an appropriate, alternative space by providing information on possible options and advice on lease agreements.

Currently, the Province of B.C. is providing $10,000 a month in funding, and is also ready to provide free storage for the museum’s collection in an archival-grade storage facility.

Media Contacts:

Joanne Whittier
Communications Manager
Ministry of Technology, Innovation and Citizens’ Services
250 387-0172