It's on a floating barge, welcoming boaters and visitors to the town of Ladysmith and the Cowichan Valley.

The new $2 million reception centre at the Ladysmith Community Marina is four years in the making and comes complete with amenities, such as showers, bathrooms, laundry facilities and conference rooms.

The Ladysmith Maritime Society has spearheaded the project, and Director Doug Bell, said the centre is meant to be an important landing and gathering place.

“Marine tourism is a significant economic development opportunity for the entire region,” he said. “This enables this area to further participate in this exciting area.”

Some high profile delegates were expected to attend the grand opening of the Community Marina reception centre, including the MP for Vancouver Island North, also the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, John Duncan. Chief John Elliott of the Stz' uminus First Nation was expected to be there, along with the mayor of Ladysmith, Rob Hutchins.

Bell said the reception centre has been and funding has come from the federal government, as well as the B.C. government’s Island Coastal Economic Trust.

Along with the grand opening of the reception centre at the community marina, Ladysmith is hosting the annual Maritime Festival all weekend.

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