The NRCan Britannia Project is based on a preliminary study which investigated the development of a mining related interpretive and research center at Britannia, titled the “Britannia Centre for Mining Innovation”. Although still at an early stage of consideration, the study has demonstrated that this project would be a significant part of the sustainable re-development of Britannia and would be recognized as providing a significant benefit to the citizens of Canada.

The conceptual design envisions a series of contemporary structures, and the restoration of a number of the historical buildings, that will support mining and environmental research, international dialogue and conferences focused on issues of resource use/extraction and sustainable development, and a world class museum/public attraction. Together, the buildings would showcase the past, present and future of sustainable mining development and minerals use. In addition, a significant interpretive component relating to the environment and the ecosystem of Howe Sound and how the Britannia Mine may have influenced changes within these systems could be included here.

The concept for the centre can be thought of as a three-legged stool where social, environmental and economic considerations all support a sustainable institution. By utilizing Britannia as an example of how things used to be, the intention is to contrast industrial practices of the past with the new techniques, technologies and policies of today. The Innovation Centre has the potential to become a world class showcase for innovation in Canada to both a domestic and international audience.

To achieve all this it is necessary to emphasize the planned inter-relationships for the various design components which are: a research centre, a dialogue and conference centre, an innovations gallery, and areas for interpretation of history and innovations and the museum experience. Together these components form the Britannia Centre for Mining Innovation.