COMING SOON! The new PIBO Bird Centre
RESEARCH 
EDUCATION CONNECTION
THE FUTURE
NOW
Hover over the image to flip between ‘Now’ and ‘The Future’!
In March 2023, the Pelee Island Bird Observatory purchased The Bike Shop on Pelee Island. Formerly the LCBO, then a bicycle and gear retail outlet, the building is located on West Shore Road, a quick left turn off the ferry dock. From these humble beginnings will rise the new PIBO Bird Centre, a two-million-dollar renovation project designed by Douglas Design Studio to include accommodation for PIBO research staff plus a suite for visiting researchers; a bird-book library and exhibition area; a lecture hall for talks and workshops by distinguished visitors; plus an outdoor pavilion for events, pollinator gardens and more.
Stay tuned for updates!
Do you want to get involved?
Donate at Canada Helps, and tag your donation for the Bird Centre Capital Fund.
May 2024 Official Announcement
At the Pelee Wings PIBO Bird Talk on Mother’s Day, Pelee Islanders became the first to learn about the Bird Centre project. Pelee Island Mayor Cathy Miller joined long-time PIBO supporters and guests from BirdLife International to applaud the development of the new bird centre, which will expand PIBO’s island research and education outreach, and promote our mission to make connections along the hemispheric flyway.
Winter 23/24 Demolition Begins!
After months of gathering ideas, Douglas Design Studio developed a design to transform the Bike Shop into a state-of-the-art living, working, and gathering space. During the winter, the Pelee Pros crew—islanders Chris Watson Jr., Cory Lehn, Ethan Gilmore, and owner Justin Harner—gutted the interior and jack-hammered out the floor. As soon as the permit for the septic system arrives, we’ll be off and running!
