Although GaLTT and the Gabriola Museum work in different areas, there are also important ways in which our work overlaps. Both organizations contribute to the health of the lands and living things that reside on our island, and the Museum is an important resource for community events and education, including those relating to land use and conservation. A few examples of how our interests intersect:
- The Museum knows that human culture and land are intertwined and interdependent, and their exhibits and initiatives always reflect that. Historical resources always start “From the Ground Up.”
- The Museum provides resources for people wanting to learn more about Indigenous culture, values and practices with respect to land use—something settlers have begun to realize is critically important for sustainable land management. Our community—and our environment—benefit from the knowledge about these lands brought by Snuneymuxw Elders who collaborate with the Museum.
- The Museum supports biodiversity and maintaining native habitat. It has long worked to promote the use of native plants and removal of invasive species. GaLTT’s first Invasive Species brochure was co-produced by GaLTT and the Museum and actively distributed by both organizations. The Museum initiated the use of native plants in its landscaping and more recently developed an interpretive “Native Plants Trail.”
- The Museum “walks the talk” with regard to conservation. By purchasing the covenanted McRae lands it demonstrated its support for land protection, while simultaneously ensuring public access to a popular and important neighbourhood connector for the benefit of the community as a whole through a trail licence that GaLTT maintains.
- The Museum is for everyone. It runs many programs for children, some through the Elementary School, many of which teach them about the natural environment they enjoy on our island. The Museum is committed to diversity and inclusion, and reaching across dividing lines to find commonality.
GaLTT supports the work of the Gabriola Museum and encourages community members to contribute to their fundraising drive if they are able to do so.
A message from the Gabriola Museum
In early 2025 the Gabriola Museum relaunched its campaign to raise funds to pay off the mortgage for the McRae Conservancy lands and support Museum operations, programs and community events.
The Museum’s primary goal is to retire the remaining $215,666 mortgage as soon as possible, preferably before the mortgage renewal in 2026, which will be at higher rates.
At this time, annual mortgage payments (principal and interest) amount to $18,360 per year. Monthly donations can provide the kind of predictable, sustained income needed to cover these and other regular costs. Funding from monthly donations of $15 or more from 140 donors would generate enough to cover the monthly mortgage payments (including the anticipated increase in payments in 2026), as well as property taxes and maintenance costs, and give the Museum some breathing room to plan other fundraising projects to help pay down the principle on the mortgage.
In addition to asking for monthly donations, the Museum is organizing fundraisers such as its popular Speaker Series. Currently being planned is boat builder Tony Grove speaking about his award-winning restoration of the Dorothy, and on May 25, at the Golf Club, Steve Struthers is returning for another fabulous travel talk, this time taking us to India. A new fun heritage themed competition event is planned for early summer. The Museum has also launched a legacy fund to accept donations made in honour of recently passed former GHMS President, Joan Merrifield’s land stewardship advocacy and her other interests.
Let us know if you think you can help and we’ll work with you. Can you make a one-off or monthly donation, or recruit others to do so? Or can you set up your own mini fundraising event with proceeds going to the Museum? It all makes a difference!
To make financial donations
You can become a monthly donor (minimum $5/month) through Canada Helps or your bank. Monthly donations of $15 or more include membership.
You can make a one-time donation:
- By cheque: mail a cheque or drop it off at the Museum (make out to Gabriola Historical & Museum Society) and add a footnote re: McRae Property. The mailing address is Box 213, 505 South Road, Gabriola, BC, V0R 1X0.
- Through the Museum’s Canada Helps secure online portal
- Send an e-transfer to accounts@gabriolamuseum.org with a note re: McRae property
For more information about the Museum and how you can support it in other ways, check out their website or contact the Museum at info@gabriolamuseum.org
