Restoration of The Challenger Map.

The map has been brought from warehouse storage generously supplied by Bekins Moving and Storage, itself a part of BC's history, to a secure area made available by Air Canada at their Vancouver Airport facility.

Now that the map has a safe storage and restoration area the next step will be a thorough cleaning and evaluation of each of 196 sections. The current state of the map is quite good, but after 43 years of exhibition under bright sunlight and 10 years of storage, it needs to be refreshed. Standards for painting materials and colour are being developed and the map will be brought back to it's former glory. It is expected that there will be a very interested volunteer group ready to partake in this part of the restoration.

Development of a new home.

The next stage is to set up specifications for a new location of the map. Architectural design, technical support systems and finding a central, environmentally friendly and accessible site will be key to the map's future in the 21st century.

Development of Education and Entertainment

With the map as the major attraction in the new site, a program of educational technology and programmed events can be created to attract new visitors and keep them returning to see new material and entertainment and have them sending or bringing friends and acquaintances to the map's home.

Some examples of entertainment and educational programs for the map include:

• Talks on the geology, history and nature of the province given by appropriate experts and incorporating the visual use of the map and it's supporting technologies.
• Musical and theatrical events built around the history we are all proud of and our lives within British Columbia.
• First Nations programs to entertain and educate visitors to the interface between the land, rivers, lakes and sea and the development history of the original settlers and occupants of the province.
• Lectures and programs for those interested in the development of business and transportation throughout the province.
• Special events involving various aspects of the food industry including regional demonstrations of BC's seafood, wines and agricultural bounty.

A Centre for Showcasing the Regions and Municipalities of the Province

The Challenger Map facility will be a catalyst for business and tourism industry development.

• With the incorporation of internet facilities every town and tourism facility can be accessed by visitors to the map.
• Special talks can be presented live or through the internet by scheduled or on-demand delivery of visual and sound information to individuals or tour groups.
• Printed material can be delivered directly on site to those wanting it without having to stock material and have personnel on hand.
• While not necessarily operating as a tourist office, this could be a location where visitors could plan and develop holiday trips, make reservations on line and get a live visual glimpse of the areas of the province they would be travelling through.