Yes this is a great idea and should be supported. A couple of thoughts;
Perhaps they could actually have a convenient place near the dock for tourists to get their passports stamped with a souvenier stamp of Prince Rupert. Perhaps the city, port and First Nations involved could come up with a stamp design that celebrates all of the cultures that make up our region. As for convenience, speaking with more than a few tourists, it was one of Prince Rupert’s best kept secrets that the only place they could get their passport stamped was at the Museum of Northern BC. By the time many returned to the ship… it was too late for them to get their passports stamped and they left dissapointed.
For public input on this… 1:00 in the afternoon is maybe better than no public input but for those of us that work during the day… kind of leaves us without a voice. So my recommendation would be if public consultation is part of the process… try to schedule a number of times when the majority of citizenery can attend. I’m truly sorry that I wasn’t able to be at the meeting. Judging from the article in the Northern News it appears that this group is on on the right track… the empty lot beside the terminal would be awesome for the passengers.
Judging from the lack of mention of the City or Prince Rupert or it’s agencies in the organizing committee, it appears that people concerned with economic development in the tourist sector have decided that the City is neither going to lead or follow so it is best that they stay out of the way… Kudos to the leaders from the Port Authority,Lax Kw’alaams and Metlakatla for working on this.
[quote=“Northern News”]While there isn’t much known about the project yet, the partners are looking at a possible location on the waterfront directly beside Northland Cruise Terminal.
And while White outlined keys to a successful cultural pavilion, which include truthful exhibits, varied content and the inclusion of weavers, carvers and dance groups, he said not all cultural pavilions find success and pointed to the Lillooett pavilion and the Haida Heritage Centre – both of which have won awards for their programs and projects, but both of which are struggling to maintain their level of service in light of lower than expected numbers.
“I’m not saying don’t go down this road, I am sending a warning that they can be tough to sustain financially,” he said. “You need to be clear about the concept and purpose, which is what we are doing now…And you need to understand the balance between culture and commerce.”
Although the pavilion may not be ready until 2013 at least, the organizing committee, including representatives from Lax Kw’alaams , Metlakatla and the Prince Rupert Port Authority, are also planning some events that could help leave cruise passengers with a more positive impression of Prince Rupert in 2011. [/quote]