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Annual Report | 2005-2006

Organizational OverviewThe Royal BC Museum Corporation (RBCM) forms a culturalprecinct consisting of the Royal BC Museum, British ColumbiaArchives, Helmcken House, Thunderbird Park, Mungo MartinBig House, St Ann’s Schoolhouse, and the Netherlands Carillon.The primary purpose of the RBCM is to collect, preserve, andinterpret the artifacts, specimens and documents that tell the storyof British Columbia, and to share that story with the world.Benefit to PublicThe work of the RBCM benefits the public by:• developing and preserving collections for current and futuregenerations;• sharing the natural history and human story of British Columbiawith the world through the physical environsof the cultural precinct, regional programs and internet accessto the collections and archives;• supporting education through the provision of materials,programs and complimentary student admissions;• supporting research through projects and by providing accessto the collections and archives;• contributing to the provincial economy as a tourism destinationof choice; and• managing the archival records of the government ofBritish Columbia.Core Business Areas, Programs and ServicesThe RBCM has two core business functions to meet our strategic goals:1. Collection development and preservation.2. Interpretation and sharing of British Columbia’s human historyand natural history.The RBCM is organized into six operating areas.Access and Information ManagementProvides public access to artifacts, specimens and archival material,including images and documents. As the archives of BC, managesgovernment archival records, collects private documents of provincialsignificance, ensures regional research and representation arecompleted through the Living Landscapes program and extendsvirtual access to the collections through the RBCM website.Director: Gary MitchellChief Financial OfficeManages financial and related functions, including strategic budgetdevelopment, financial management, information technology, policydevelopment, business planning, risk management, legal services andfinancial analysis. Director: Faye ZinckCuratorial ServicesDevelops, preserves and manages the collections, and ensures thesafety and longevity of all artifacts, specimens and archival records inthe RBCM’s care. Conducts research and ensures the collections andknowledge resident in the collections is available to other researchersand the public. Director: Grant HughesExhibits and Visitor ExperienceInterprets the collections and knowledge resident in the collectionsthrough the design, construction, installation and maintenance ofexhibits. Acting Director: Barry ForresterMarketing and CommunicationsProjects the public image of the RBCM. Its main functions are toincrease attendance at the museum and market available servicesto the public through media relations, advertising, sponsorship andpromotions, public relations, corporate communications, outsidesales and publications. Director: Cynthia WrateVisitor and Human ResourcesProvides programs and services to the public and to employeesand volunteers, including facilities, operations and stewardship ofrevenue collected through admissions; also provides human resourcemanagement services. Director: Angela WilliamsProducts and Services ProvidedThe RBCM provides the following products and services:• collection, preservation, research and interpretation of theprovince’s historical artifacts, specimens and documents,including government documents;• permanent exhibits that tell the natural history and human storyof British Columbia;• temporary exhibits that showcase special travelling displaysthat attract tourists and repeat visitation;• special programming that invites the attendance and participationof local and tourist audiences;• partnerships with local businesses and the tourism sectorto boost visitation to the province’s capital and contributeto the provincial economy;• educational and research support for students, teachersand scholars;• regional programming, internet access and virtual exhibits;• management and maintenance of the cultural precinct consistingof the Royal BC Museum, British Columbia Archives, HelmckenHouse, Thunderbird Park, Mungo Martin Big House, St Ann’sSchoolhouse and the Netherlands Carillon;• ancillary services including retail (which provides a venuefor BC artists) and food services; and• a means for donors who wish to donate heritage artifacts/archivaldocuments for long-term preservation.Principal Partners, Clients and StakeholdersPrincipal clients and stakeholders include government ministries,community organizations, tourism industry organizations, culturalgroups, Willie’s Bakery, Jazzman’s Café and the Friends of the RoyalBC Museum Foundation. The RBCM works in partnership with theNational Geographic IMAX Theatre.Location of OperationsThe RBCM is located at 675 Belleville Street in Victoria, BC.In addition to the delivery of services at its physical location,comprehensive province-wide research, educational and accessservices are provided via distributed publications and the internetat www.royalbcmuseum.bc.ca. Regional services are providedin partnership through the RBCM’s outreach program,Living Landscapes.How Services are DeliveredThe RBCM delivers its services in a variety of ways:• physical delivery of exhibits and programming withinthe cultural precinct;• electronic access to the collections and archives throughfinding aids and the internet;• published books and research papers; and• delivery and support for regional programming in selected(rotating) areas of the province.Funding and RevenueSixty-five per cent of the RBCM’s core collections preservation andmanagement, operations and activities are funded by the Province ofBritish Columbia. The balance is funded through earned revenue thatis comprised of admissions, access service fees, fundraising, relatedretail operations and royalties from the National Geographic IMAXTheatre. Funds are also provided through the Friends of the RoyalBritish Columbia Museum Foundation.

Our VisionRevealing British Columbia, inspiring wonder.With a passionate commitment to research, education andpublic involvement, the Royal BC Museum is proud to beamong the finest cultural institutions in the world.MandateThe Royal British Columbia Museum Corporation is theonly organization in the world dedicated specifically to thepreservation of, and education about, the human history andnatural history of British Columbia. Its purpose is to fulfil thegovernment’s fiduciary responsibilities for public trusteeshipof the provincial collections and exhibits, and to preserve thecollections for future generations of British Columbians.MissionTo explore and preserve British Columbia’s human historyand natural history, to inspire curiosity and wonder, and toshare our story with the world.Values• Accountability to public expectations and concerns.• Responsible stewardship of the collections andinformation entrusted to our care.• Respect for diversity.• Respect for people and partnerships.• Objectivity in our work.• Environmental responsibility.• Excellence in all we do.Enabling LegislationThe Royal BC Museum Corporation is a Crown Corporationcreated in 2003 under the Museum Act. “Royal BC Museum”(or “RBCM”) means the Royal BC Museum Corporationthroughout this document. The Museum Act mandates theRoyal BC Museum to fulfil the government’s fiduciaryresponsibilities for public trusteeship of the provincialcollections and exhibits, including specimens, artifacts,archival records and other materials that illustrate thenatural history and human history of British Columbia.The Royal BC Museum is the Archives of the Governmentof British Columbia. The collections are preserved forcurrent and future generations of British Columbians.Major Programs• Development, management and care of the collections.• Public access to the collections.• Exhibit development.• Research and interpretation.• Public and community education.Principal MarketsThe RBCM services the following principal markets:• Visitors to the cultural precinct;• Researchers;• Educators and students;• Citizens of British Columbia;• Communities throughout the province; and• People throughout the world seeking informationvia our websites and publications.ContentsChairman’s Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2CEO’s Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3Reporting on Performance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4A Visionary Past . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6A Challenging Present . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6A New Vision for the Future . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7The Year in Review . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8Corporate Governance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12Financial Statements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13Sponsors and Supporters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28Appendix A: Community Consultations . . . . . . . . . . . 28Appendix B: Research/Published Articles . . . . . . . . . . 28Appendix C: Public Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30Alignment with Government Strategy . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33Library and Archives Canada Cataloguing in Publication DataRoyal BC Museum.Annual report. – 2003/2004-Annual.Title from cover.Also available on the Internet.ISSN 1911-1231 = Annual report (Royal BC Museum)Continues: Royal British Columbia Museum. Annual report.ISSN 1194-5907.1. Royal BC Museum - Periodicals. 2. Museums - BritishColumbia - Victoria – Periodicals. 3. I. Title. II.Title: Royal BC Museum Corporation annual report.AM101.B74 R69 069.0971128'05 C2006-960119-4Front cover: The Victoria Masonic Lodge presented this silverewer to Robert Burnaby in 1861, in appreciation of his servicesto the lodge.

Message from the Chairto the Minister ResponsibleOn behalf of the Board ofDirectors of the Royal BC MuseumCorporation, I am pleased to presentthe Corporation’s 2005–2006Annual Report.John Walton British Columbians trust theRoyal BC Museum to safeguardour collective historical record, and – through preservation,exploration and illumination – inspire successive generationsto understand and value our shared stories and our naturalworld.To fulfil this trust, the Royal BC Museum provides twodistinctive services to the people of British Columbia. Itsprimary service is to acquire record, preserve and interpretdocuments, recordings, artifacts, specimens and othertreasures of historical provincial significance. The secondis to share knowledge and the stories of British Columbiathrough exhibits, research and programming.The Royal BC Museum, like other cultural organizationsacross Canada, must balance the competing forces ofgrowing collections, rising costs for perpetual preservationand public expectations of relevance and redevelopmentagainst available funding.We were very pleased that during the past year, theGovernment of British Columbia provided for futuredevelopment of the Royal BC Museum through transferof title of its buildings and land. By assuming directresponsibility for its buildings and land, the Royal BCMuseum is able to more effectively manage its operatingcosts. Equally importantly, it provides the foundation fromwhich to attract the capital funding necessary to achieve thevision outlined in our Master Plan. This vision transformsthe Royal BC Museum into a vibrant provincial museumand archives and a nationally significant icon prepared toserve future generations of British Columbians.The years ahead promise to be ambitious, as the RBCMaddresses the twin challenges of protecting, interpretingand sharing British Columbia’s history while establishingthe development and capital structure necessary to financeand design its vision. With the support of the provincialgovernment, we look forward to realizing our full potentialto the benefit of all British Columbians.The 2005–2006 Royal BC Museum Corporation AnnualReport was prepared by the CEO and staff under Boarddirection in accordance with the Budget Transparency andAccountability Act. The Board has every confidence in theaccuracy of the report including the reporting of the actualperformance of the Royal BC Museum for the twelve monthsended March 31, 2006. All significant decisions, events andidentified risks, as of March 31, 2006, have been consideredin preparing this report.The information presented is prepared in accordancewith the BC Reporting Principles and represents acomprehensive picture of our actual performance inrelation to our service plan. The measures presentedare consistent with the Royal BC Museum’s mission,goals and objectives, and focus on aspects critical to theorganization’s performance.The Board, providing direction to the CEO, is responsible forensuring internal controls are in place to ensure performanceinformation is measured accurately and in a timely fashion.This report contains estimates and interpretive informationthat represent the best judgment of management. Anysignificant limitations in the reliability of data areidentified in the report.John WaltonChair, Board of DirectorsRoyal BC Museum Corporation

CEO’sReportFor 120 years, the Royal BCMuseum has been entrusted withthe responsibility of protecting thetreasures of British Columbia, andsharing our story with the world.And yet, even as an organizationPauline Rafferty dedicated to preserving our past,the Royal BC Museum, like theprovince we represent, must evolve and adapt if it is tothrive in a changing environment.The need for constant refreshment was reinforced thisyear, as two forces – a decline in visitation from theimportant American tourist market, and the absence of ablockbuster exhibit – converged, resulted in a decline ofattendance and loss of revenue during the critical tourismseason which was only partially offset by strong attendanceduring Linda McCartney’s Sixties: Portrait of an Era. Werecognize that the key to financial sustainability rests ondelivering a balance of new exhibits with broad appealand engaging programs geared to repeat visitors, andrevitalized permanent exhibitions that awe new visitors.An essential goal of revitalization is to ensure ourcollections and exhibits reflect the stories of all BritishColumbians. Over the past year, I was privileged to visitmany regions of our great province to consult directly withcommunities and hear directly the themes and storiesBritish Columbians believe are essential to understandingBritish Columbia.Throughout these consultations, several broad themesemerged:• the human history and natural history of all regionsof BC are evolving – and these changes need to bebetter understood to appreciate the rich breadth ofcharacter of BC;• all peoples, beginning with First Nations, have shapedBC through development of resources distinctive to theregions, creating an inextricable link between peopleand the environment;• British Columbians are passionate about their localhistory and provincial history, and the interrelationshipwe all share; and• the Royal BC Museum plays an essential role workingwith others to ensure all British Columbians have anunderstanding and appreciation for our history.A second exciting development was the initiation of astate-of-the-art collection management system. Makingthe provincial collections fully accessible to BritishColumbians has been a long-held dream, which is onlya short 24 months from fulfilment as a result of thecollection database project implementation. Followingimplementation of this system over the next few years,British Columbians across the province will be able toelectronically access a large portion of the millions of itemscurrently held in our provincial collections from virtuallyanywhere there is communications technology in BC.We look forward to continuing to engage all BritishColumbians in realizing our vision and appreciate thecommitment of the Province of British Columbia inproviding the first essential step toward implementing ourvision for a revitalized Royal BC Museum by transferring thetitle of the land and buildings to the Royal BC Museum.During the past year, the Friends of the Royal BC MuseumFoundation established a permanent endowment for thebenefit of the RBCM. This fund is held at the VictoriaFoundation and is in the amount of $575,000. Weare appreciative of the ongoing support of the FriendsFoundation. In the year ahead, we will be implementing thebusiness and fundraising steps identified in our Master Plan,and I look forward to continued consultation with BritishColumbians on the evolution of their provincial museum.In the short term, we’re also looking forward to an exhibitfocused on youth. In June, we will open the temporaryexhibits Fore! The Planet and Speed which provide engagingopportunities for families to learn more about science andthe natural world.The work of the Royal BC Museum would not be possiblewithout the continued and loyal support of the Friends, ourmany volunteers, supporters and dedicated staff. I thankthem for their continuing dedication and look forward toworking together to create a revitalized Royal BC Museumthat will be the pride of generations to come.Pauline RaffertyChief Executive OfficerRoyal BC Museum Corporation

Reporting on PerformanceThe following report measures performance against the 2005/06 Service Plan. There have been no significant changes fromthat plan. Consistent with the Royal BC Museum’s continuous improvement management principles, the 2005/06 ServicePlan was refined to reflect a strategy focused on two key goals – the collection and visitor experience. The Service Plan alsofocuses on five core objectives. Comparisons to 2004/05 are based solely on results that directly equate to 2005/06 measures.Corporate Report CardObjectives, Strategies and Performance MeasuresGoal 1: The CollectionsCollections representative of the human history and natural history of BC, accessible and preserved for current and future generations.ObjectiveStrategiesObjective 1:Develop the collections to representall of British Columbia.Collections enhancementBuild, develop and improve the collections through accessions, de-accessions, preventativeconservation and treatment, documentation, and display in accordance with the collectionsDevelopment Plan.Public accessMaintain access levels to artifacts, specimens, archival records, and information available tothe public.PerformanceTargetsResultsMeasure2005/06 2006/07 2007/08 2004/05 2005/06Value of theCollectionsCollections UsageService Leveland QualityProductivity/Efficiency$192 Million $192 Million $192 Million Not measured 192.5 million, basedupon increase in value ofdocumented acquisitions30,000 objectson exhibit or loanInquiriescompleted within10 workingdays to a clientsatisfaction levelof 8.9/10Unit cost ofpreservingcollections – tobe determinedCost perinquiry – to bedetermined90% of newholdingsaccessible within12 months30,000 objectson exhibit or loanInquiriescompleted within10 workingdays to a clientsatisfaction levelof 8.9/10Unit cost ofpreservingcollections – tobe determinedCost per inquiry –to be determined90% of newholdingsaccessible within12 months30,000 objectson exhibit orloanInquiriescompletedwithin 10working daysto a clientsatisfaction levelof 8.9/10Unit cost ofpreservingcollections – tobe determinedCost perinquiry – to bedetermined90% of newholdingsaccessible within12 months96% answered within 10 days100% satisfaction based on12 voluntary responsesCuratorial responded to5349 inquiriesArchives responded to859 inquiriesNot measured in 2004/05467 objects placed on exhibitthis year14296 artifacts andspecimens on loan113 public lectures/talk andinterviews relating to thecollection5471 artifacts and specimensloaned this year94% answered within 10 days100% satisfaction from 4voluntary surveys returnedCuratorial responded to7789 inquiriesArchives responded to3651 inquiriesAverage cost per inquiry$17.18. Based ondepartmental records.98% of collection acquiredin 2004/05 is available foraccess upon inquiryDefinition of Measure: Cost per inquiry = (Time spent by staff multiplied by wages and benefits) per inquiry related to the collection or itsinformation. Accessibility = Collection data is catalogued, fully computerized, and accessible within 12 months of acquisition.Target Rationale: Cost per inquiry allows for a measure of meting the customers’ needs and allows for comparison with other organizationsand industries.Sources of data: Manual collection of data and time logged to respond to inquiry.

Goal 2: The Visitor ExperienceA visitor experience that ensures new and repeat visitation.ObjectiveStrategiesObjective 1:Exhibit and program developmentCreate a visitor experience where visitors Focus research resources and acquisitions to support development of the exhibits and programsenjoy their visit and learn about BC. that reflect the significance of BC’s human history and natural history in a way that engages thepublic and stimulates their interest.Living LandscapesMaintain outreach services to regional communities.Objective 2:Build the Museum’s brand.Objective 3:Increase financial independence.Objective 4:Maintain a skilled, flexible andcommitted workforce, includingvolunteers.PerformanceMeasureVisitor enjoymentservice levels andquality (includingclient and visitorsatisfaction)Corporate reputationIncrease awareness and understanding of the Royal BC Museum and showcase its existingproducts and services.Expand market interest in Museum products and services.Exhibits and special eventsIncrease earned revenue through special exhibits and other revenue generating activities.Increase emphasis on food, retail and commercial opportunities.Fundraising and sponsorshipAchieve revenue targets through fundraising and sponsorship activities.Aligned workforceAlign staff and volunteers to core business functions.Competent workforceEnsure that the right people with appropriate knowledge, skills and abilities are in the right positions.TargetsResults2005/06 2006/07 2007/08 2004/05 2005/06Satisfaction level Satisfaction level Satisfaction level 8.9/10 8.9/10of 8.9/10 of 8.9/10 of 8.9/10Definition of Measure: Based on the results of visitor exit surveys conducted by an independent firm.Target Rationale: Improve level of service related to exhibitions and programs.Sources of Data: Based on exit surveys and comment cards.Increase in EarnedRevenueBaseline to bedetermined2005/06Four selfsustainingprograms1% increase inearned revenueover baselineFive selfsustainingprograms2% increase inearned revenueover baselineSix self sustainingprogramsPaid attendance: 484,909$9.1 millionComplimentary Attendance:40,122Attendance significantlyinfluenced by Eternal Egyptblockbuster exhibit and higherblockbuster admission ratePaid attendance: 318,808$5,917,994Complimentary Attendance:34,435Total: 352,943Definition of Measure: Increase in earned revenue from services, admissions to galleries and fundraising.Target Rationale: Growth of revenue generating services. Endowment funds provide long-term sustainability for RBCM operations.Sources of Data: Audited financial statements.Exhibit DevelopmentEmployee SurveyFive year rollingplan to bedevelopedIn areas wheresurvey resultswere below 3,achieve 3 orhigherImplementationof exhibitdevelopment planNoticeablepositive increasein employeesurvey resultsImplementationof exhibitdevelopmentplanNoticeablepositive increasein employeesurvey resultsOverall result in 2004 =3.44/5 (where range ofmean = “acceptable”)Exhibit plan identifiesexhibitions through 2007/08fiscal year75% response rateOverall results for 2005 =3.53/5 (range of mean =“good”Definition of Measure: The survey is intended to assess staff attitudes about: leadership, corporate culture and values, teamwork, growthand development, managing change, work-life balance, supervision and, internal communication.Target Rationale: The annual employee survey is intended to assess employee attitudes and opinions about the current work environment atRBCM and identify opportunities to enhance employee satisfaction, productivity and commitment to the RBCM’s vision. The survey is at+/- 5.2% at a confidence of 95% (19 times out of 20).Sources of Data: Survey completed by third party.HR and SuccessionManagement PlanPlan indevelopment toaddress key skillshortagesKey skillshortagesaddressedthrough targetedrecruitment/training/developmentHR andSuccessionPlan fullyimplementedIn development in 2004/05 Apprenticeship Program = 2apprentices hired to addressfuture anticipated tradesshortage4 staff receiving fundingtoward Masters or PhD

A Visionary PastMay it please Your Honour January 14, 1886It has long been felt desirable that a Provincial Museum should beestablished in order to preserve specimens of the natural products andIndian Antiquities and Manufactures of the Province and to classify andexhibit the same for the information of the public.– Original petition by prominentBritish Columbians to create the RBCMFor 120 years, British Columbians have trusted the Royal BC Museumto safeguard our collective historical record, and through preservation,exploration and illumination inspire successive generations to understandand value the stories and experiences we share.The Royal BC Museum’s genesis began with a petition from leadingBritish Columbians with the foresight to preserve treasures of provincialsignificance. Seven years later, the same vision resulted in the creation ofthe British Columbia Archives. Twelve generations later, the provincialcollections have grown to over seven million items, and the RBCM is oneof the most visited museums in Canada.Petition signatories (clockwise from top left):George A. Walkem, Matthew Baillie Begbie,William Fraser Tolmie and John A. Mara.One of only a handful of Canadianmuseums to carry the ‘Royal’ name,the RBCM is a significant touristdestination, welcoming hundredsof thousands of paying visitors eachyear, all of whom are enlightened,entertained and inspired by the storiesshared for the information – andinspiration – of the public. Anadditional 500,000 pass through itspublic spaces and over 14 millionmore visits are made each year viathe internet by researchers, educators,students and visitors from around theglobe. The high levels of visitationcement the Royal BC Museum’s roleas the world’s leading source ofknowledge of British Columbia’shuman history and natural history,including the BC Archives as theprovince’s leading source forhistorical records.A Challenging PresentOver the course of its own rich history,the Royal BC Museum has stimulated alove for our past, and is a lasting sourceof pride for all British Columbians. TheRoyal BC Museum must also embracethe influences of change.John Fannin, the first curator (1886–1904), working in the original museumroom.Three years ago, the RBCM becamea Crown Corporation with the goal ofbringing management of and accessto the provincial collections underone roof while increasing the level offinancial self-sufficiency. A combinedcollections management approachprovides British Columbians with amulti-dimensional understandingof our history, while providing moreefficient and centralized access,streamlined administration, riskmanagement and conservationsynergies, and database management.Limited as such articles are inquantity, their loss is frequentlyirreparable, and, when once removedform the locality of their production,their scientific value and utility to thecountry are greatly lessened.– from the original petitioncreating the RBCMThe increasing costs of maintainingand growing collections, improvingolder buildings, and regeneratingaging exhibits are challengesconfronting almost every culturalorganization in Canada. The Royal BCMuseum faces the additional challengeto increase financial self-sufficiency.Government funding levels arestabilized at $12.1 million per year,currently 66% of the revenue requiredto maintain operations. Governmentfunds primarily support the perpetualcare of provincial collections; a further$7 million must be generated throughoperations to meet minimumoperating requirements.As the primary source of generatedrevenue, admission levels and feesare critical to our financial health.Although the local population basein British Columbia’s capital region,Victoria, is less than half that of any

other provincial museum location inCanada, the Royal BC Museum is oneof the most highly visited. This highlevel of attendance is attributable toboth the tourism economy of Victoriaand the important strategic role theRoyal BC Museum plays in hostingexhibits that draw tens of thousands ofvisitors to the area. Attendance levelsare highly influenced by overall levelsof visitation to Victoria, as well as thehosting of travelling exhibitions andspecial programs. The 2005 tourismseason experienced a significantdecline in the level of visitation by theimportant American visitor market,which had a direct negative effect onthe RBCM’s admission revenue whichwas only partially offset by the appealof the special exhibit: Linda McCartney’sSixties: Portrait of an Era.In January 2006, a vital decision wasreached to lay the foundation for anexciting new chapter of change forthe RBCM and to help reduce theRBCM’s operating costs. On March 31,the Government of British Columbiacompleted the RBCM’s evolution, andtransferred title of the buildings andland the RBCM occupies from BCBuildings Corporation to the RBCM.The net effect of this move is to reducebuilding and land rent and propertymanagement administrative costs.Despite the Royal BC Museum’soutstanding reputation and success,it faces many challenges. The buildingshave reached capacity, the ability to hostmajor exhibits is limited, and currentclimate control, lighting and securitysystems were not designed to effectivelypreserve and display the collections.Exhibits consisted mainly of stuffed birdsin glass cases and free-standing mountedanimals.Furthermore, the site was designed toaccommodate only 100,000 visitorsannually and it now welcomes morethan a million visitors through itsdoors, including public spaces, the paidadmission areas and the IMAX Theatre.A New Visionfor the FutureThe Board of Directors and executiveleadership of the Royal BC Museumrecognize that, if the Royal BCMuseum is to continue thrive in arapidly changing environment, it mustundergo an extensive revitalization.Our vision is to transform BritishColumbia’s museum for the nextgeneration to take full advantage ofthis cultural treasure and its precioussetting. The Royal BC Museum hasdeveloped a Master Plan that outlinesthe steps necessary to create newexperiences, to preserve and add to ourcollections, and to tell the stories of usall – the people and places of BritishColumbia – past present and future.The plan responds to the immediaterequirement to manage costs as well asthe strategic necessity to meet changingstakeholder demands.It lays out a visionof the potential offered by the combinedcollections of a completely revitalizedRoyal BC Museum Corporation.The Master Plan guides thedevelopment, project priorities,fundraising strategies and exhibit andprogram development for the culturalprecinct to transform the existingRoyal BC Museum into a nextgenerationcultural showcase.Importantly, the Master Planaddresses many of the risks facingthe organization, including:• redevelopment of the Royal BCMuseum infrastructure;• management of the collection forlong-term growth;• mitigation of risks to the collectionthrough construction of a dedicatedcollection management building;• creation of new exhibition space,galleries and programs;• assurance that British Columbianswill continue to enjoy world-classtravelling exhibits; and• addition of amenities and servicesthat ensure visitor comfort andincrease revenue.A business plan is under developmentto support the Master Plan and forapproval of the Government of BritishColumbia. The business plan willconsider options for how public spacesmay be enhanced and integrated, howexhibit galleries may be improved, andhow curatorial and archives spaces canutilize state-of-the-art climate control,security and handling facilities. SuchThis Haida freight canoe is representative of those that travelled BC’s north coast.

a transformation will renew publicinterest in the Royal BC Museum’sspectacular site on Victoria’s InnerHarbour.The Year in ReviewExploring and Preserving British ColumbiaThere are at present in the Provincemany gentlemen interested infurthering this scheme who havesignified their readiness to assist tothe best of their powers.– from the original petitioncreating the RBCMThe vision behind the Royal BCMuseum Master Plan will requiremany years of effort and significantsupport by all levels of government,the private sector and individualsfrom across the province who sharea passion for British Columbia’shistory. We look forward to realizingthis incredible vision for BritishColumbia and British Columbia’sarchives and museum.Listening to British Columbians, andhearing first-hand the diverse rangeof stories you wish to share withthe world is essential to ensure allpeoples and regions of the provinceare represented in your provincialmuseum. Throughout 2005, CEOPauline Rafferty travelled acrossBritish Columbia consulting withcommunity leaders on the Royal BCMuseum’s vision for revitalization,and to gather local perspectives.These consultations will continuethrough 2006/07 to ensure all areasof British Columbia are heard.A complete community consultationlist is found in Appendix AWhile the vision takes flight, theRoyal BC Museum continues its work– collecting, interpreting, preservingand expressing our unique humanhistory and natural history; delvinginto the lingering questions of ourpast and captivating the imaginationsof youth through educationalprograms and the expanding thehorizons of British Columbians byhosting some of the finest exhibitionson earth.Enhancing the scale,scope and accessibilityof the ProvincialCollectionsDeveloping, safeguarding andinterpreting the provincial collectionson behalf of British Columbians is anenduring responsibility of the RoyalBC Museum. Items of provincialsignificance are classified, codified andorganized for research, verification andreview. The collections are accessed forresearch, loans, exhibits, public andschool programs.During the current fiscal year, 14,296items are on loan from the RBCM,including Emily Carr works from theBC Archives for a national touringexhibition organized by the NationalGallery of Canada; 467 artifacts wereplaced on exhibit; 113 lectures wereconducted by curatorial and archivalstaff; and 7789 public enquiries weremade to museum collection staffexperts, and 3651 to archives experts.Accessions and de-accessions undergoa formal approval process. Objects tobe accessions must meet the legislatedmandate of the Royal BC Museum,must be of provincial significance,and must have accompanyingdocumentation that adds to thepotential understanding of the humanhistory and natural history of BritishColumbia. In the BC Archives,the types of documents that willbe collected include the mandatedacquisition of government archivalholdings, and items that broaden thescope and significance of the collectionto the public. Clearly defined protocolsidentify regular maintenance andparameters for the loan of objects fromthe collections to researchersand members of the public.Fall Moon Mask by Tim Paul(Nuu-chah-nulth), 2006. RBCM 20155.Once acquired, items in the provincialcollections are made as accessible aspossible for research and public use,consistent with conservation, legaland ethical considerations.Significant acquisitions during thepast year included:• The generous gift of a beautifullydesigned and carved gold braceletfrom the estate of Mrs Joyce E.Keays of Prince Rupert.• A silver ewer presented to RobertBurnaby in 1861 acquired from anantiques dealer in East Wapole, MA.• A mask carved by Tim Paul and adance screen created by Tony Hunt.• 12,364 new specimens orspecimen lots were processed,including many specimens froma multidisciplinary trip to theislands south of Prince Rupert.There were a number of notableand rare species collected on thattrip, including newly discoveredplants and animals.The Royal BC Museum is committedto increasing public accessibility

to the collections. To that end, anelectronic collection managementsystem project has been initiated.This significant database project willdigitally record, catalogue, interpretand make accessible the millionsof items in the collections. Whencompleted in 2007, the public viewof the provincial collections will bepossible from anywhere in the worldvia the internet.Balancing Accessand PrivacyThe right to privacy is a growingconcern for British Columbians.Corporate Information, Privacyand Records is responsible fordetermining the right of access torecords that contain informationrestricted from disclosure underthe Freedom in Information andProtection of Privacy Act (FOIPPA),the federal youth Criminal Justice Act,the Adoption Act, the BC SupremeCourt Rules and government policy.First Nationsand RepatriationThe Royal BC Museum works closelywith the Ministry of AboriginalRelations and Reconciliation andwith numerous First Nationscommunities seeking ways to shareour collections more widely, facilitatethe Treaty Process and address FirstNations concerns and aspirationsabout cultural objects and ancestralremains. Coordinating and hostingvisits by groups and individuals tosee and understand our Ethnologyand Archaeology collections is animportant part of these activities. Inthe past year, the Te’mexw TreatyAssociation was the largest group tomake a treaty-related visit to the RoyalBC Museum. They visited in autumn2005 and spent two days talking tostaff and viewing collections relatingto their communities.Groups and individuals from theSliammon First Nation made severalSisiutl dance screen by Tony Hunt (Kwakwaka’wakw), 2006, showing one half of thetwo-headed Sisiutl. RBCM 20156a.visits during the year to look atobjects, photographs and associatedrecords. Other First Nations treatyresearchers from throughout theprovince made single visits. NazkoFirst Nation researchers were amongthe groups that travelled to Victoriain the past year to look at materialof interest to their community.The Royal BC Museum also worksclosely with First Nations that arenot in the formal Treaty Process.This year, for example, staff visitedSkidegate and Massett where theymade presentations and participatedin fruitful discussions about objectsfrom Haida Gwaii in our collections.Education andResearchResearch at theRoyal BC Museumis significant in thatit emphasizes thatwhich is unique toBritish Columbia.Researchers strive toreveal new insightsinto the natural worldand cultures of BCand items in thecollection formthe basis for expanding knowledgeof the province.Research topics are grouped into thefollowing criteria:• Identifying and documentingspecies inhabiting BC, withemphasis on understandingendangered species or those thatexist nowhere else in the world.• Examining species distributionsand fossil evidence to understandearly BC history, identify changesand occur, and (project) what thefuture may hold – with a particularemphasis on climate and climatechange.The hammered gold bracelet that belonged to Joyce E. Keays ofPrince Rupert; it was acquired by her father in the late 19thcentury as payment for a debt.

the Royal BC Museum. These strikingmemories are carried through life, andenhanced by temporary exhibits thatbring the world to British Columbia.Planes for many purposes, from the late 1800s and early 1900s, in the “Building BC”exhibit.• Studying the evolution of lifethrough comparison of DNA andthe physical characteristics ofplants and animals.• In collaboration with First Nations,documenting the history andheritage of First Peoples.• Examining and documentingcommunities and industries in BCto reveal how and why they havechanges, and projecting what thesechanges mean for the future.• Examination of social trends.A comprehensive list of researchprojects and outcomes is found inAppendix B.Sharing Our Storywith the WorldAs vital as the collections are tounderstanding British Columbia,it is our exhibitions that enlighten,entertain, inform and stimulatethe imagination of visitors. Ouraim is to ensure that visitors enjoya memorable and awe-inspiringexperience – one that will bringthem back again, and that theywill tell others about. By placingthe collections in realistic settingsenhanced by hands-on activities andtechnology, the Royal BC Museum isrenowned for bringing the past to life.Whether it is the scent of cinnamonbaking in a 19th-century hotel kitchen;the lapping of waves against the hullof the Discovery, the soft echo of natureSaddle from eastern Tibet, ca 1900, madeof wood trimmed with copper and leather,and iron stirrups. © Newark Museum,Dr Albert Shelton Collection 20.498.in a quiet amphitheatre, or the hushedreverence of a First Nation’s big house,countless British Columbians can pointto a lasting memory of their first trip toEqually lasting are the memoriesof British Columbia shared withhundreds of thousands of visitorseach year. The Royal BC Museumis an integral part of the tourismeconomy in Victoria. In additionto the lasting appeal of our famouspermanent galleries, temporaryblockbuster exhibits are critical forrepeat visitation to Victoria and theCapital region, as well as the RoyalBC Museum.A strong level of tourism in Victoriais equally important to the Royal BCMuseum. In 2005 a strong Canadiandollar and perceived barriers toentry as a result of proposed identitydocument requirements for visitorsfrom the United States contributedto a decline in the level of Americanvisitors to Victoria. The U.S. visitorhas traditionally been the largestportion of our visitor base during thetourism season, and an 8.7% dropin US visitation* had significantimpact on attendance. This declinewas somewhat offset by extendingopening hours to accommodateVictoria’s growing cruise-ship market,and strong winter attendance to theLinda McCartney’s Sixties: Portrait ofan Era travelling exhibit.Exhibit HighlightsTibet: Mountains and Valleys,Castles and TentsMarch 4 – October 10, 2005Drawn from the Tibetan collection ofthe Newark Museum, this travellingexhibit explored the ancient cultureof Tibet and examined how the harshenvironment of Tibet influenced artand daily life.*Statistics Canada; prepared by Tourism BC Research, Backgrounder #64, May 18, 200610

of 51 photographs chronicling theelectrifying public and private livesof the icons of 1960s rock-and-roll.The Royal BC Museum assembleda companion exhibit includingphotographs of the John Lennon andYoko Ono Montreal Bed-in for Peacein 1969 by photographer Gerry Deiterand a collection of psychedelic postersfrom Victoria music historian andauthor Jerry Lucky. Attendance tothe exhibit was 40% higher than thesame period the previous year.and families, early sales of this newadmission option are surpassingexpectations. To increase sales togroup travellers, pricing structureand administration were simplified,and new packaging products werecreated to meet the needs of hotel andtransportation partners.Monks from the Buddhist university,Gaden Jangtse Tsawa Khangtsen,conduct morning ceremonies outsidethe Royal BC Museum, July 2005.Building BCOpened December 15, 2005This permanent exhibition is a tributeto the people and trades who literallybuilt British Columbia. Located onthe 3rd floor passage between CenturyHall and Old Town, the exhibitfeatures period tools from the late1800s and early 1900s, includingsurveyors equipment, a drafting table,blueprints, and antique hand tools.The display cases were built usingtraditional methods in the style anddesign of the late 1800s. Much of theexhibit construction was completedby a staff joinery carpentry apprenticetraining in traditional museumconstruction methods. This staffmember is the sole apprentice inthe BC Public Service.Linda McCartney’s Sixties:Portrait of an EraDecember 1, 2005 – March 5, 2006Extended due to popular demand, thistrip back to music’s most influentialera featured a powerful selectionLinda McCartney’s favourite photographof Jimi Hendrix, taken at the RheingoldFestival, Central Park, New York, 1967.© The Estate of Linda McCartney.Inspiring Curiosityand WonderThe Royal BC Museum is a placeof discovery and education. Toencourage new and repeat visitation,an extensive roster of lectures, schoolprograms, tours and special eventsis conducted each year, forgingstrong links with repeat visitors andcommunity organizations.To encourage frequent andrepeat visitation while addressingaffordability, a new annual admissionpass was introduced in November2005. Priced to appeal to both adultsDocent Fran Hare engaging youngstudents by exploring the traditionalfestivities of a Victorian Christmas.For many BC school children, interestin history or biology begins witha visit to the Royal BC Museumgalleries, or participation in a specialprogram. Over 18,334 studentsreceived complimentary access to thegalleries in 2005/06, with 4,853 moreparticipating in in-depth programsspecifically designed to support theBC school curriculum.Increasing our financial selfsufficiency,reducing costs andenhancing existing revenuegeneratingactivities are essentialto attaining our goal of financialsustainability. New food services andretail agreements that enhanced ourfinancial position were completedover the past year. These includedagreements with new food servicesproviders and a formal memorandumof understanding with the Friendsof the Royal BC Museum for exhibitbasedretail sales.A significant improvement tomanaging the largest expense forthe Royal BC Museum was achievedthrough the transfer of title to itsbuildings and land.11

Board of Directors: (front from left) John Walton, David McMillan, Pauline Rafferty andAnna Nyarady; (back from left) Barbara Rae, Allison McNeill, Ken Mahon, Neil Sterrittand Donald Hayes; (not pictured) Ralph Bodine, Cynthia Woodward and David Stowe.Corporate GovernanceGoverning Principles of the Board of DirectorsA Board of Directors governs the Royal BC Museum Corporation, guided bylegislation, regulation and public policy. The Board is accountable to the Ministerof Tourism, Sport and the Arts to ensure the application of the Museum Act, sothat the Royal BC Museum conducts its affairs in a manner that complies with thelegislation and accepted standards of conduct, operates within approved financialstandards, and fulfils its purpose and mandate.The Board of Directors consists of not more than 11 directors, all appointed by theLieutenant Governor in Council. As a policy board, it concentrates on providingleadership and direction to the Royal BC Museum through clearly articulatedpolicies and corporate goals. In delegating authority to the Chief Executive Officer,the Board monitors the performance of the CEO and holds her accountable forresults and progress. Having established the policy framework, the Board allows theCEO to administer corporate operations and does not involve itself in managementdecision-making or the day-to-day operations of the Royal BC Museum.Finance and AuditCommitteeThe Finance and Audit Committeeensures that the Corporation’s financialand accounting policies conform to theprovisions of the Museum Act and allother applicable legislation, and thatthe Corporation’s financial reportingsystems meet the needs of the Boardand the Royal BC Museum itself.Members of the Committee includeDavid McMillan (Chair), Ralph Bodine,Donald Hayes, ex-officio membersJohn Walton and Pauline Rafferty, andstaff support Faye Zinck.Governance andNominating CommitteeThe Governance and NominatingCommittee oversees the Board’snominating and governance activities.It is responsible to the Board ofDirectors and meets as required butat least once a year. Its functionsare to establish the criteria of skillsrequired for membership on the Board,prescreen and recommend Boardcandidates, recommend persons forthe positions of Chair and Vice Chair,ensure appropriate orientation, manageevaluation of the Board, ensure that12the Board’s manual contains alldocuments relevant to its governancestructure, and recommend persons tosit as members of Board committees.Members of the Committee includeBarbara Rae (Chair), Anna Nyarady,Neil Sterritt, David Stowe, CynthiaWoodward, Allison McNeill, andex-officio members John Walton andPauline Rafferty. This Committeealso deals with all matters of corporategovernance and as such, reviews,monitors and reports on Boardeffectiveness.Site DevelopmentCommitteeThe Site Development Committeeadvises on the RBCM Master Planand assists with moving the renewalof the Royal BC Museum forward. Itis a special-purpose committee formedfor a term of up to three years.The Committee will be consulted forthe oversight and policy in respect ofthe management and control of theland and property of the Royal BCMuseum. Members of the Committeeinclude Ken Mahon (Chair), DonaldHayes, ex-officio members JohnWalton and Pauline Rafferty, andsupport staff member Angela Williams.Additional InformationAdditional information on Boardmembers and Board policies isavailable on the Royal BC Museum’swebsite, www.royalbcmuseum.bc.ca. The Royal BC Museum nowfully complies with the provincialgovernment’s “Governance andDisclosure Guidelines for GoverningBoards of British ColumbiaPublic Sector Organizations.”See www.royalbcmuseum.bc.ca/corporateservices/bestpracgov.pdf.

Management’s ReportFinancial Statements(Audited)March 31, 2006Auditor’s ReportThe financial statements of the Royal British ColumbiaMuseum Corporation have been prepared bymanagement in accordance with Canadian generallyaccepted accounting principles, and the integrity andobjectivity of the data in these financial statements aremanagement’s responsibility. Financial informationpresented elsewhere in the Annual Report is consistentwith that in the financial statements.Management is also responsible for the safeguardingof financial and operating systems, which includeeffective controls to provide reasonable assurance thatthe Museum’s assets are safeguarded and that reliablefinancial information is produced.The Board of Directors is responsible for ensuring thatmanagement fulfils its responsibilities for financialreporting and internal control. The Board exercisesits responsibilities through the Finance and AuditCommittee. The Finance and Audit Committee meetsregularly with management and the external auditorshave full and free access to the Committee. The Boardof Directors, whose members are not involved in theday-to-day activities of the Museum, are responsible forthe review and approval of the financial statements.Hayes Stewart Little & Co. has audited the financialstatements in accordance with Canadian generallyaccepted auditing standards.To the Board of Directors of the Royal BritishColumbia Museum CorporationWe have audited the balance sheet of the Royal BritishColumbia Museum Corporation as at March 31,2006, and the statements of operations and changesin net assets and cash flows for the year then ended.These financial statements are the responsibility ofthe Museum’s management. Our responsibility is toexpress an opinion on these financial statements basedon our audit.We conducted our audit in accordance with Canadiangenerally accepted auditing standards. Those standardsrequire that we plan and perform an audit to obtainreasonable assurance whether the financial statementsare free of material misstatement. An audit includesexamining, on a test basis, evidence supporting theamounts and disclosures in the financial statements.An audit also includes assessing the accountingprinciples used and significant estimates made bymanagement, as well as evaluating the overall financialstatement presentation.In our opinion, these financial statements presentfairly, in all material respects, the financial positionof the Museum as at March 31, 2006 and the resultsof its operations and changes in its cash flows for theyear then ended in accordance with Canadian generallyaccepted accounting principles.Pauline RaffertyChief Executive OfficerChartered AccountantsFaye ZinckChief Financial OfficerApril 21, 2006Victoria, BCApril 21, 2006Victoria, BC13

Balance SheetAs at March 31, 2006ASSETS2006 2005CurrentCash and investments (Note 3) $ 2,336,077 $ 2,191,061Accounts receivable 442,331 597,518Prepaid 49,266 58,789Deferred exhibition costs 109,225 122,3622,936,899 2,969,730Capital assets, net (Notes 2(c) & 6) 14,938,056 3,411,270LIABILITIES AND NET EQUITY$ 17,874,955 $ 6,381,000CurrentAccounts payable and accrued liabilities $ 3,359,208 $ 1,952,167Leave liability 558,782 558,844Deferred revenue (Note 7) 213,290 84,1524,131,280 2,595,163Deferred capital contributions (Note 8) 1,238,610 1,885,947Net equity (Note 9) 12,505,065 1,899,890Commitments (Note 13)ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD$ 17,874,955 $ 6,381,000DirectorDirector14

Statement of OperationsFor the Year Ended March 31, 20062006 2005REVENUESProvince of British Columbia contributions $ 12,105,000 $ 12,656,250Museum admission fees 3,035,592 7,017,219Other income 2,315,868 1,969,003Amortization of deferred capital contributions (Note 8) 650,259 599,767Gifts in Kind - Donated collections and artifacts (Note 2(d)) 32,225 155,92218,138,944 22,398,161EXPENSESSalaries and benefits (Note 2(f)) 7,826,227 7,609,867Building occupancy charges 4,514,659 4,568,351Taxes, City of Victoria 1,113,388 667,228Special Exhibits (Note 10) 257,412 3,181,014Security 896,620 956,817Amortization 1,071,306 892,814Professional service contracts 653,937 691,346Systems and telecommunications 731,738 674,696Archival records storage 385,396 400,072Marketing and communications 294,787 360,892Utilities, materials and supplies 510,820 511,572Office 199,798 241,652Insurance 211,523 199,571Collections and artifacts – donated (Note 2(d)) 32,225 155,922Bank charges 59,234 62,191Travel 118,888 88,279Subtotal 18,877,958 21,262,284(DEFICIENCY) EXCESS OF REVENUES OVEREXPENSES FOR THE YEAR $ (739,014) $ 1,135,87715

Statement of Cash FlowsFor the Year Ended March 31, 20062006 2005OPERATING ACTIVITIESCash received from the Province of British Columbia $ 12,105,000 $ 12,656,250Cash received from admissions 3,110,962 6,983,309Cash received from other income 2,524,823 1,996,514Cash paid for salaries and benefits (6,046,223) (7,727,250)Cash paid for building occupancy and security (6,385,974) (7,167,176)Cash paid for materials and services (3,925,729) (6,789,015)Cash provided (used) for operating activities 1,382,859 (47,368)INVESTING ACTIVITIESCash received for purchase of capital assets - 870,084Purchase of capital assets (1,253,903) (1,611,866)Payments for deferred exhibition costs 16,060 481,221Cash used for investing activities (1,237,843) (260,561)NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH 145,016 (307,929)Cash, beginning of year 2,191,061 2,498,990Cash, end of year $ 2,336,077 $ 2,191,06116

Notes to Financial StatementsFor the Year Ended March 31, 20061. GENERALThe Royal British Columbia Museum Corporation (the “Museum”) is a Crown Corporation of the Province ofBritish Columbia without share capital, incorporated on April 1, 2003 under the Museum Act. The Museum is atax-exempt body under Section 149(1)(d) of the Income Tax Act.The purpose of the Museum is to fulfil the Government’s fiduciary responsibilities for public trusteeship of theProvincial collections and exhibits, including specimens, artifacts, archival and other materials that illustrate thenatural history and human history of British Columbia. The Museum is dedicated specifically to the preservationof, and education about, the human history and natural history of British Columbia. The collection is preserved forfuture generations of British Columbians.2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIESThe financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Canadian generally accepted accounting principlesapplied within the framework of the significant accounting policies summarized below:(a) Revenue recognitionThe Museum follows the deferral method of accounting for contributions. Restricted contributions arerecognized as revenue in the year in which the related expenses are incurred. Unrestricted contributions arerecognized as revenue when received or receivable if the amount to be received can be reasonably estimated andcollection is reasonably assured.Externally restricted non-capital contributions are deferred and recognized as revenue in the period in which therelated expenses are incurred. Capital assets contributed and externally restricted contributions for the purchaseof capital assets are deferred and amortized over the life of the related capital asset. Unamortized deferredcapital contributions relating to capital asset dispositions are recognized as revenue in the period of disposal,provided that all restrictions have been complied with.Government grants are accounted for as unrestricted contributions or externally restricted contributions inaccordance with the terms of funding.Admission revenue is recognized when earned. Other revenue consists of contributions, grants, royalties andrental revenues which are recognized when earned.(b) Deferred exhibition costsCosts of exhibitions are deferred until the exhibitions are opened to the public and then are expensed over theperiod of the exhibitions to which they relate.17

Notes to Financial Statements, cont.For the Year Ended March 31, 20062. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)(c) Capital assetsPurchased capital assets are stated at acquisition cost. Capital assets transferred from the Province of BC, arelated party, are recorded at the carrying amount. Amortization is provided on a straight-line basis over theestimated useful lives of the assets as follows:• Buildings and improvements• Permanent exhibits• Operating equipment• Computer equipment and software• Vehicles• Furniture and equipmentup to 40 years10 years5 years3 years3 years5 years(d) CollectionsThe value of collections (artifacts, specimens, and documents) has been excluded from the balance sheetbecause of valuation issues. Gifted collections are recorded as revenue estimated at fair market values basedon appraisals by independent appraisers. The acquisition of both gifted and purchased collections is expensed.(Note 5)(e) Museum volunteersDuring the year, Museum volunteers contributed approximately 42,000 (2005 – 42,000) hours in support ofthe Museum. Their activities include guided gallery tours and a variety of programs that enrich the visitor’sexperience at the Museum and its profile in the community. Due to the complexities involved in valuing theseservices, they have not been reflected in the financial statements.(f) Employee benefit plansThe Museum and its employees contribute to the Public Service Pension Plan in accordance with the PublicSector Pension Plans Act. The British Columbia Pension Corporation administers the plan, including paymentof pension benefits to employees to whom the Act applies. The Public Service Pension Plan is a multi-employer,defined benefit plan. Under joint trusteeship, the risk and reward associated with the Plan’s unfunded liabilityor surplus is shared between the employers and the plan members and will be reflected in their futurecontributions. The most recent actuarial valuation (March 31, 2005) has determined the Plan has an unfundedliability. As a result, the actuary has determined that an increase in contribution rates of 1.88% each, for planmembers and employers, is necessary in order for the Plan to maintain its long term financial soundness andthus its ability to meet the pension promise made to plan members. The trustees have decided that this increasein rates will be introduced effective April 1, 2006.The Museum also annually contributes through the Provincial Government payroll system benefit plan forbenefits as provided for under collective agreements and conditions of employment. The benefit charge backrate that the Museum pays through the Provincial Government is 24.62% (2005 24.0%). Costs of futurebenefits are recognized as an expense in the year that contributions are paid.As a result of an agreement reached by the Province and the union that represents the Museum staff, bonusestotalling approximately $525,000 were paid by the Province directly to Museum staff. Salaries and benefits inthese financial statements do not reflect this transaction.18

Notes to Financial Statements, cont.For the Year Ended March 31, 20062. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)(g) Asset Retirement ObligationsCanadian generally accepted accounting principles require the Museum to determine the fair value of the futureexpenditures required to settle legal obligations to retire tangible long lived assets. If a reasonable estimate canbe determined, a liability is recognized equal to the present value of the estimated future removal costs, and anequivalent amount is capitalized as an inherent cost of the associated long lived asset.When the buildings occupied by the Museum were originally constructed, a variety of asbestos materials wereused. Asbestos abatement has been carried out in a number of locations, but removal is not complete andresidual asbestos debris remains in the building structure. A provision for asset retirement obligations thataddress the future accounting and reporting obligations related to asbestos removal has not been made at thistime since it is not reasonably estimable.(h) Use of estimatesIn preparing the Museum’s financial statements, management is required to make estimates and assumptionsthat affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at thedate of the financial statements and reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the period. Actual resultscould differ from these estimates.3. CASH AND INVESTMENTSAs at March 31, 2006, the Museum had $1,262,028 (market value - $1,261,629) in a money market fund, with ayield as a whole of 2.87%.4. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTSThe Museum’s financial instruments consist of cash, investments, accounts receivable, accounts payable andaccrued liabilities. The fair value of these assets approximates their carrying value. Unless otherwise noted, it ismanagement’s opinion that the Museum is not exposed to significant interest, currency or credit risks arising fromthese financial instruments.5. COLLECTIONSAs at March 31, 2006, the collections consisted of approximately 7.2 million artifacts, specimens and archivalrecords (includes approximately 5 million photographs). During the year, the Museum accessioned approximately12,560 (2005 – 10,858) objects to its collections through the acquisition and purchase of artifacts. The collectionsare valued at $190 million for insurance purposes.19

Notes to Financial Statements, cont.For the Year Ended March 31, 20066. CAPITAL ASSETSCapital assets consist of the following:AccumulatedCost Amortization 2006 2005Land $ 12,288,670 $ - $ 12,288,670 $ -Permanent exhibits 1,401,083 (251,523) 1,149,560 1,278,803Operating Equipment 400,697 (229,782) 170,915 251,055Computer equipment and software 1,523,543 (1,156,864) 366,679 626,143Vehicles 19,605 (19,605) - 6,021Furniture and equipment 61,529 (36,473) 25,056 37,361Buildings 937,176 - 937,176 -Leasehold improvements - - - 1,211,887$ 16,632,303 $ (1,694,247) $ 14,938,056 $ 3,411,270In March 2006, title to the land and buildings related to the Museum were transferred from the Province of BritishColumbia at the carrying value of $11,344,190 to the Royal BC Museum Corporation. The consideration paid forthis transfer was $1.00. The value of existing leasehold improvements was reallocated to buildings. This relatedparty transaction was recorded at the carrying amount of the land and buildings, allocated as follows:Buildings $ 1Land 11,344,1897. DEFERRED REVENUE$ 11,344,190Deferred revenue of $213,290 (2005 - $84,152) represents funds related to future gallery rentals, advance admissionsales, annual passes, and unredeemed gift certificates.8. DEFERRED CAPITAL CONTRIBUTIONSDeferred capital contributions represent unamortized externally restricted contributions which have been used topurchase capital assets. These contributions will be recognized as revenue in future periods as the related capitalassets are amortized.2006 2005Balance, beginning of year $ 1,885,947 $ 1,720,331Grants for the purchase of capital assets 2,922 765,383Amortized to revenue (650,259) (599,767)Balance, end of year $ 1,238,610 $ 1,885,94720

Notes to Financial Statements, cont.For the Year Ended March 31, 20069. NET EQUITYInvested InCapitalAssets Unrestricted 2006 2005Balance, beginning of year $ 1,525,323 $ 374,567 $ 1,899,890 $ 764,013Excess (deficiency) of revenues over expenses - (739,014) (739,014) 1,135,877Deferred capital contributions (Note 8) (2,922) 2,922 - -Amortization of deferred capitalcontributions (Note 8) 650,259 (650,259) - -Amortization (1,071,306) 1,071,306 - -Disposals (9,862) 9,862 - -Investments transferred from the Provinceof British Columbia (Note 6) 11,344,189 - 11,344,189 -Investments in capital assets 1,263,765 (1,263,765) - -Balance, end of year $ 13,699,446 $ (1,194,381) $ 12,505,065 $ 1,899,89010. SPECIAL EXHIBITSIn order to encourage repeat attendance the Museum hosts travelling exhibits in the temporary gallery. In 2005/06these included: Tibet: Mountains, Valleys, Castles & Tents and Linda McCartney Sixties, Portrait of an Era. In 2004/05these included: Eternal Egypt: Masterworks of Ancient Art from the British Museum; Tibet: Mountains, Valleys, Castles &Tents; and Giant Robotic Insects.2006 2005Salaries and benefits $ 7,449 $ 189,642Professional Service contracts – includes exhibit fees 93,352 1,804,861Marketing and Communications 136,617 760,024Security - 183,087Utilities, materials and supplies 19,084 162,554Office 910 80,846Total Expenses related to special exhibits $ 257,412 $ 3,181,01421

Notes to Financial Statements, cont.For the Year Ended March 31, 200611. FRIENDS OF THE ROYAL BRITISH COLUMBIA MUSEUM FOUNDATIONThe Friends of the Royal British Columbia Museum (the “Friends”) was incorporated to build membership and tocoordinate other support activities on behalf of the Museum. In 2005 the structure of the Friends changed fromthat of a charitable organization to a closely governed foundation, under a new constitution and bylaws. During theyear, the Royal British Columbia Museum Foundation (the “Foundation”) merged with the Friends and the Friendswas renamed to the Friends of the Royal British Columbia Museum Foundation (the “Friends Foundation”). Theprincipal activities of the Friends Foundation are operation of the Royal Museum Shop, the collection of donations,bequests, endowments and supporting projects undertaken by the Royal British Columbia Museum. The accountsof the Friends Foundation are presented separately and are not consolidated in these financial statements. As atMarch 31, 2006, the fund balances of the Friends Foundation are as follows:2006 2005Invested in capital assets $ 125,917 $ 169,824Externally restricted funds 250,674 237,118Internally restricted funds 4,711 133,596Unrestricted funds 1,561,324 1,466,370$ 1,942,626 $ 2,006,908During the year the Friends Foundation contributed $879,987 (2005 - $657,500) to the Museum, of which$553,000 (2005 - $382,500) has been recorded in revenue as a direct contribution, the balance of the contributionsconsisted of funding for deferred capital contributions and grants from other third parties.12. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONSThe Museum is related through common ownership to all Province of British Columbia Ministries, Agencies andCrown corporations. The Museum also has transactions with the Friends Foundation. Transactions with theseentities, considered to be in the normal course of operations, are recorded at the exchange amounts.In March 2006, the Province of British Columbia transferred the land and buildings to the Museum as outlinedin Note 6.22

Notes to Financial Statements, cont.For the Year Ended March 31, 200613. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIESOperating AgreementThe Museum has committed to a Theatre Operating Agreement for the operation of a large screen motion picturetheatre at the Museum. Under the terms of the Agreement, the Museum will be paid a royalty from the theatreincluding certain negotiated adjustments, plus specific amounts for additional costs. The Museum is also party tothe lease of the premises for the Theatre and is paid all rents related to the lease agreement. The term of both theTheatre Operating Agreement and the lease is 30 years and expires June 24, 2028.Lease CommitmentsThe Museum has a five year operating lease to rent warehouse space to store oversize artifacts. The lease expires onApril 30, 2011. Future minimum payments are $124,096 in each year.14. COMPARATIVE FIGURESCertain 2005 comparative figures have been reclassified to conform to the presentation adopted in the current year.23

Management Discussion and AnalysisThe Royal BC Museum Corporation’s (RBCM) financial statements disclose an operating loss for 2005-2006 of $.739million, compared to an operating surplus of $1.36 million in 2004-2005. The RBCM received $12.105 million fromthe Province of British Columbia to fund the preservation and management of collections valued at over $190 million.Summary of financial results and budget projections (in $millions)RevisedActual Actual Budget Actual Budget Forecast ForecastStatement of Revenue & Expenses 2003/04 2004/05 2005/06 2005/06 2006/07 2007/08 2008/09Revenue($ in millions)Operating contributions from the Province 13.174 12.656 12.105 12.105 12.105 12.105 12.105Museum admission fees 4.111 7.017 3.075 3.036 4.435 4.575 4.800Other income .026 2.725 3.215 2.998 2.492 2.536 2.572Total Revenue 20.310 22.398 18.395 18.139 19.032 19.216 19.477ExpensesSalaries and benefits 7.898 7.610 7.660 7.826 7.826 7.826 7.826Building occupancy 5.255 4.568 4.567 4.515 3.500 3.570 3.641Taxes - City of Victoria 0.642 0.667 0.667 1.113 1.000 1.000 1.000Other operating costs .444 3.386 3.200 3.198 3.914 3.817 3.869Security costs 0.934 0.957 0.860 0.897 0.860 0.903 0.949Special Exhibits 0.759 3.181 0.216 0.257 1.165 1.300 1.500Amortization 0.614 0.893 1.698 1.071 0.756 0.787 0.647Total Expense 19.546 21.262 18.869 18.878 19.023 19.204 19.432Net Income (Loss) 0.764 1.136 (0.474) (0.739) 0.009 0.012 0.045Retained Earnings 0.764 1.900 2.826 12.505 12.515 12.527 12.572Capital Expenditures 2.954 1.464 0.400 11.715 0.400 0.400 0.400FTE’s 125 125 125 125 125 125 125Notes:1. The 2005/06 Revised Budget reflects the February 2006 Service Plan.2. RBCM attendance is influenced by global trends in tourism and fluctuates when hosting temporary blockbusterexhibits. Other income includes earned income, access services, fundraising, related retail operations, a private/public partnership and gifts in kind (donated collections and artifacts).3. RBCM operations are supported by a large and dedicated group of volunteers.24

Management Discussion and Analysis, cont.Operational OverviewThe original budget target in the February 2005-06 Service Plan forecast revenues of $3.575 million in admissionfees for 2005-06. This target was adjusted downward in the revised September 2005-06 Service plan based ondecreased attendance expectations, driven in large part by the decline in American visitors to southern VancouverIsland. This resulted in a restatement of our budget for 2005-06 from a projected net income of $.06 million to aloss of $.474 million.In 2005-06 total revenue decreased by $4.259 million from last year. The year ended with a loss of $.739 millionwhich was a result of reduced revenue and rising operating costs.2005-06 Revenues and Operating ExpensesSixty-five percent (65%) of the RBCM’s operations and activities were funded through a contribution from the Provinceof British Columbia. These funds provide for preservation and management of the Provincial collections.The balance of operations are funded through earned revenue that is comprised of admissions revenues, royalties,grants, fees for activities, fundraising, related retail operations and grants. Current year admission fees were 17%of total revenue compared with 31% last year. Admission fees fluctuate from year to year due to special exhibits.Incremental admission fees directly generated by an up-charge during the term of hosting Eternal Egypt: Masterworks ofAncient Art from the British Museum in 2004 totalled $4.1 million in 2004/05, while no additional charge was leviedfor the temporary exhibits in 2005/06 which included Tibet: Mountains, Valleys, Castles & Tents; and Linda McCartney’sSixties: Portrait of an Era.25

Management Discussion and Analysis, cont.The Friends of the Royal British Columbia Museum Foundation (Friends Foundation) operate the Royal MuseumShop, build memberships; collect donations, bequests, endowments; and support projects undertaken by the RoyalBritish Columbia Museum. In 2005-06 the Friends Foundation provided funding of $.880 million to assist with costsrelated to activities of programs and exhibits, speaker series in association with were Tibet: Mountains, Valleys, Castles& Tents, special weekend events, access to galleries for all Friends members, support Living Landscapes programs in thenortheast of the province and some gallery upgrades.New food-service and retail agreements that enhance our financial position were completed over the past year. Theseincluded agreements with two food-service providers and a formal memorandum of understanding with the FriendsFoundation for exhibit-based retail sales.Total expenses decreased by $2.381 million over last year. A significant improvement to managing one of the largestexpenses for the Royal BC Museum was achieved through the transfer of title to its buildings and land from theProvince. This gift from the Province of British Columbia will result in savings in building rent costs. These savingswill be used to fund increasing costs in other areas of the organization as well as to fund the development of abusiness plan to support the RBCM Master Plan.The RBCM’s workforce, consisting largely of highly skilled full time employees, cost $7.8 million in salaries andbenefits. RBCM staff is paid through the Provincial Government payroll system, with benefits charged at 24% of salarycosts. An agreement reached by the Province and the union that represents RBCM staff resulted in bonuses totallingapproximately $.525 million paid by the Province directly to the staff. Salaries and benefits in these statements do notreflect this payment.Building occupancy charges were effectively the same as last year. At March 29, 2006, the Province transferred titleof the land and buildings occupied by the RBCM to the Royal BC Museum Corporation for the price of $1.00. Futureyears’ forecasts reflect a decrease in building occupancy costs as a result of building rent savings.Taxes to the City of Victoria are represented by grants in lieu of taxes paid under the Municipal Aid Act. These taxesincreased by 34% over last year ($.226 million) due to increased assessment of the value of the infrastructure and afurther increase of $.220 million due to accounting timing difference on transfer of title.Amortization costs were higher year over year due to planned capital investment in permanent exhibits, operatingequipment and information technology hardware & software purchases.Capital expendituresThe Balance Sheet discloses an increase in the RBCM’s net capital assets of $11.526 million, which includes thetransfer of land and buildings at net book value of $11.3 million from the Province of British Columbia to the RBCM.Statement of Cash flowsNet cash used for operating activities increased by $1.4 million. This was primarily due to an increase in accountspayable at year end of a corresponding amount.Net cash used for investing activities increased significantly due to the transfer costs of the land and buildings fromthe Province. Property transfer tax of $0.8 million was paid to the Land Title and Survey Authority.26

Management Discussion and Analysis, cont.Risks, Uncertainties and Future OutlookLike similar cultural organizations across Canada, the RBCM faces significant risks and uncertainties. These areoutlined in detail in the RBCM’s 2006-07 Service Plan and include:• The collections are at risk of deterioration without perpetual care. As well, the collections continually grow overtime through acquisition, resulting in increased costs and space required to ensure preservation. As a result ofthe collection risk assessment, additional financial resources will be required to implement strategies to mitigatethese risks.• Changes in technology require investment to maintain a full range of old and new technologies to ensure access toand readability of collection holdings created in older technology formats, particularly audio-visual and electronicmaterials recordings and documents. In response, in 2006-07 the RBCM will be implementing a collectionmanagement system which will enable British Columbians to electronically access items currently held in ourprovincial collections from virtually anywhere there is communications technology in BC.• RBCM attendance is influenced by global trends in tourism and fluctuates when hosting temporary blockbusterexhibits. Visitor levels are greatly influenced by tourism. During the 2005 tourism season, BC experienced a declinein visitation, particularly from US visitors. This decline directly impacted RBCM attendance. The RBCM is workingin partnership with the tourism sector to create awareness of the new regulations impacting the US/Canada border.The RBCM has also established a partnership with the State Hermitage Museum Foundation exhibition programthat will bring new and exciting travelling exhibits to the museum.• The RBCM must compete in the international marketplace for exhibits requiring significant investment offunds. There are growing expectations from visitors in terms of services provided in a modern museum. Regularrefurbishment of the RBCM’s world-class galleries, development of engaging programming, and the addition ofattractive temporary exhibits are part of the RBCM’s plans to attracting new and repeat visitors to BC and Victoria.• As RBCM’s facilities are over 40 years old, requirements for repairs and maintenance will continue to escalatein the coming years. The RBCM is developing a plan for renewal of the site to transform the museum for thenext generation. A plan which outlines the steps necessary to create new experiences, to preserve and add to ourcollections and to tell the stories of the people of British Columbia past, present and future.• The RBCM workforce is aging, leading to a potential shortage of professionals. In the next five years, 55% ofCorporation staff will be eligible to retire. A strategic staffing analysis has been completed and is part of a broadersuccession plan. The strategy identifies specific actions necessary to resolve projected staffing and competencyrequirements.• The RBCM’s fundraising success is essential to operations. The RBCM is competing for funding in a market wheredemands are growing. The RBCM is appreciative of the endowment fund that has been established for its benefitthrough the Friends Foundation and which is managed by the Victoria Foundation. The RBCM has in its forecast,plans to implement a robust capital campaign and the establishment of not-for-profit affiliates.The Royal BC Museum’s Master Plan specifically outlines steps to address these risks.27

Generosity Abounds:Sponsors and SupportersThe Royal BC Museum is grateful to its many supporters and donors through the past year.Greater than $100,000The Province of British ColumbiaFriends of the Royal BritishColumbia MuseumFriends of the Royal BC MuseumFoundationCanadian Heritage, PartnershipsFund$20,000 to $49,999BC Treaty CommissionCanadian Heritage, MuseumsAssistance Program$10,000 to $19,999Province of BC – Ministry ofTourism, Sport and the Arts– Archaeology Branch$1,000 - $10,000Ron BlairPatricia E. BoveyRonald MacIsaacEric GriffithsJane DavidsonHarry R. EastonFrank MatishPeter TaylorArthur GriffinCH TelevisionIn-Kind SponsorsIsland BlueprintVancouver SunTimes ColonistCH TVMarketing PartnersBC FerriesSupporters and ContributorsThe Fairmont EmpressSilk Road Tea and SpaThe Mint RestaurantRoyal Museum ShopCanada Tibet Committee –Victoria ChapterGerry DeiterThe Elliott Louis GalleryJerry LuckyMoog Music Inc.Dean ThompsonThe TurntableThe Department of Music,University of VictoriaJack VerberneAPPENDIX ACommunityConsultationsFort St John – September 21, 2005Dawson Creek – September 22, 2005Cranbrook – September 28, 2005Prince George – October 13, 2005Kelowna – October 19, 2005Kamloops – October 20, 2005Terrace – November 23, 2005Richmond – January 26, 2006Courtenay – February 16, 2006Abbotsford – March 30, 2006Vivid Dancer (Argia vivida) is a rarespecies often found in association withhot springs, making them vulnerable tocommercial development. Photo: GeorgeDoerksen.APPENDIX BResearch/published ArticlesBelow is a list of selected publicationsassociated with current research projectsauthored or co-authored by Royal BCMuseum staff, volunteers, researchassociates and collaborators.Natural HistoryCannings, R.A. 2005. Caddisfly Architecture.NatureWild 6(3): 12-13.Cannings, R.A., S.G. Cannings, L.R. Ramsayand G.E. Hutchings. 2005. Four species ofOdonata new to British Columbia, Canada.Notulae odonatologicae 6(5): 45-49.Cannings, R.A., P.A. Catling and P.M.Brunelle. 2006. New subspecific status forMacromia rickeri Walker. Argia 17(4): 23.Cannings, R.A. and A. Lelej. 2005. PavelAndreyevich Lehr: 1923-2005. Boreus25(2): 33-34.Cannings, R.A. and J.P. Simaika. 2005.Lestes disjunctus Selys and L. forcipatusRambur (Odonata: Lestidae): Anevaluation of status and distributionin British Columbia. Journal of theEntomological Society of British Columbia102: 57-63.Catling, P.M., R.A. Cannings and P.M.Brunelle. 2005. An annotated checklistof the Odonata of Canada. Bulletin ofAmerican Odonatology 9(1): 1-20.Catling, P.A., R.A. Cannings and P.M.Brunelle. 2006. An annotated checklistof the Odonata of Canada: Update --November 2005. Argia 17(4): 26-28.Copley, C. and R.A. Cannings. 2005. Noteson the status of the Eurasian mothsNoctua pronuba and N. comes (Lepidoptera:Noctuidae): on Vancouver Island, BritishColumbia. Journal of the EntomologicalSociety of British Columbia 102: 83-84.Cannings, R.A., S.G. Cannings, L.R. Ramsayand G.E. Hutchings. 2005. Four species ofOdonata new to British Columbia, Canada.Notulae odonatologicae 6(5): 45-49.Cannings, R.A., P.A. Catling and P.M.Brunelle. 2006. New subspecific status forMacromia rickeri Walker. Argia 17(4): 23.Cannings, R.A. and L.R. Ramsay. 2005. Theconservation status of British Columbia’sdragonflies: species at risk, inventory andstatus ranks (abstract). P. 7 in Proceedingsof a symposium on invertebrate speciesat risk in British Columbia, 22 October2005, Victoria, BC. 14 pp.28

Cannings, R.A., L.R. Ramsay, S.G. Canningsand C. R. Copley. 2005. The Dragonflies(Insecta: Odonata) of Northern BritishColumbia: Field Surveys, CollectionsDevelopment and Public Education(2000-2005). Royal British ColumbiaMuseum, Victoria, BC. Electronic reportprepared for RBCM web site.Cannings, R.A. and J.P. Simaika. 2005.Lestes disjunctus Selys and L. forcipatusRambur (Odonata: Lestidae): An evaluationof status and distribution in BritishColumbia. Journal of the EntomologicalSociety of British Columbia 102: 57-63.Catling, P.M., R.A. Cannings and P.M.Brunelle. 2005. An annotated checklistof the Odonata of Canada. Bulletin ofAmerican Odonatology 9(1): 1-20.Catling, P.A., R.A. Cannings and P.M.Brunelle. 2006. An annotated checklistof the Odonata of Canada: Update --November 2005. Argia 17(4): 26-28.Ramsay, L.R. and R.A. Cannings. 2005.Determining the status of BritishColumbia’s dragonflies. In T.D. Hooper(Ed.) Proceedings of the Species at Risk2004 Pathways to Recovery ConferenceMarch 2-6, 2004, Victoria, BritishColumbia. Species at Risk 2004 Pathwaysto Recovery Conference OrganizingCommittee, Victoria, BC. On Internet at:http://www.speciesatrisk2004.ca/pdf/ramsay_edited_final_feb_28.pdfJames Miskelly volunteers his time in theentomology collection, helping identifyOrthoptera (grasshoppers, etc.) andLepidoptera (butterflies and moths).Zhang, Q-B., and Hebda, R.J. 2005. Abruptclimate change and variability in the pastfour millennia of the southern VancouverIsland, Canada. Geophysical ResearchLetters L16708.Lambert, P. 2005. Denizens of the Deep.Discovery: Magazine of the Royal BCMuseum 33: 18.Lambert, P. 2005. A Victorian Collection.The Victoria Naturalist 62: 10-13.Huerta, H. and A. Borkent. 2005. A newspecies and first record of CeratoculicoidesWirth and Ratanaworabhan from theNeotropical Region and new species andrecords of Brachypogon Kieffer from Mexico(Diptera: Ceratopogonidae). Folia Entomol.Mex. 44 (Supplement 1): 111-119.The Large Yellow Underwing (Noctua pronuba) recently arrived in British Columbia (2002).Borkent, A. and P. Belton. 2006. Attractionof female Uranotaenia lowii (Culicidae:Diptera) to frog calls in Costa Rica.Canadian Entomologist 138:91-94.Cannings, R.A., S.G. Cannings, L.R. Ramsayand G.E. Hutchings. 2005. Four species ofOdonata new to British Columbia, Canada.Notulae odonatologicae 6(5): 45-49.Cannings, R.A., S.G. Cannings, L.R. Ramsayand G.E. Hutchings. 2005. Four species ofOdonata new to British Columbia, Canada.Notulae odonatologicae 6(5): 45-49.Cannings, R.A., L.R. Ramsay, S.G. Canningsand C. R. Copley. 2005. The Dragonflies(Insecta: Odonata) of Northern BritishColumbia: Field Surveys, CollectionsDevelopment and Public Education(2000-2005). Royal British ColumbiaMuseum, Victoria, BC. Electronic reportprepared for RBCM web site.Forsyth, R.G. 2005. Die Landschneckenvon British Columbia: ein Überblick /The Land Snails of British Columbia:an Overview. Presentation at the annualmeeting of the German MalacozoologicalSociety, at Köngen, Germany. In Englishwith German subtitles.Forsyth, R.G. 2005. Terrestrial gastropodsof the upper Fraser Basin of BritishColumbia. Living Landscapes, RoyalBritish Columbia Museum, Victoria.URL: http://www.livinglandscapes.bc.ca/upperfraserbasin/ufb_snails/index.html.Forsyth, R.G. 2005. Terrestrial gastropodsof the Peace River – northern Rockies ofBritish Columbia. Living Landscapes, RoyalBritish Columbia Museum, Victoria. URL:http://www.livinglandscapes.bc.ca/prnr/prnr_snails/index.html.Cannings, R.A., S.G. Cannings, L.R. Ramsayand G.E. Hutchings. 2005. Four species ofOdonata new to British Columbia, Canada.Notulae odonatologicae 6(5): 45-49.Cannings, R.A., S.G. Cannings, L.R. Ramsayand G.E. Hutchings. 2005. Four species ofOdonata new to British Columbia, Canada.Notulae odonatologicae 6(5): 45-49.Cannings, R.A. and L.R. Ramsay. 2005. Theconservation status of British Columbia’sdragonflies: species at risk, inventory andstatus ranks (abstract). P. 7 in Proceedingsof a symposium on invertebrate speciesat risk in British Columbia, 22 October2005, Victoria, BC. 14 pp.Cannings, R.A., L.R. Ramsay, S.G. Canningsand C. R. Copley. 2005. The Dragonflies(Insecta: Odonata) of Northern BritishColumbia: Field Surveys, CollectionsDevelopment and Public Education(2000-2005). Royal British ColumbiaMuseum, Victoria, BC. Electronic reportprepared for RBCM web site.Ramsay, L.R. and R.A. Cannings. 2005.Determining the status of BritishColumbia’s dragonflies. In T.D. Hooper(Ed.) Proceedings of the Species at Risk2004 Pathways to Recovery ConferenceMarch 2-6, 2004, Victoria, BritishColumbia. Species at Risk 2004 Pathwaysto Recovery Conference OrganizingCommittee, Victoria, BC. On Internet at:http://www.speciesatrisk2004.ca/pdf/ramsay_edited_final_feb_28.pdfLopes, D.A., E. Hajdu & H.M. Reiswig 2005.Redescription of two Hexactinosida(Porifera, Hexactinellida) from thesouthwestern Atlantic, collected byProgramme REVIZEE. Zootaxa 1066:43-56.Conway, K.W., M. Krautter, J.V. Barrie, F.Whitney, R.E. Thomson, H. Reiswig, H.Lehnert, G. Mungov and M. Bertram.2005. Sponge reefs in the Queen CharlotteBasin, Canada: controls on distribution,growth and development. pp. 601-617 in:A. Freiwald and J.M. Roberts, eds., ColdwaterCorals and Ecosystems., Springer.29

Dyer, O., Lea, T., Richardson, H., Scudder,G. and Warman, L. 2005. Settingconservation targets in the SouthOkanagan-Similkameen (in) Hooper,T.D. (Ed.). Proceedings of the Speciesat Risk 2004 Pathways to RecoveryConference. March 2-6, 2004, Victoria,B.C. Species at Risk 2004 Pathwaysto Recovery Conference OrganizingCommittee, Victoria, B.C.Scudder, G.G.E. 2005. Rarity and richnesshotspots in British Columbia (in) Hooper,T.D. (Ed.). Proceedings of the Speciesat Risk 2004 Pathways to RecoveryConference. March 2-6, 2004, Victoria,B.C. Species at Risk 2004 Pathwaysto Recovery Conference OrganizingCommittee, Victoria, B.C.Scudder, G.G.E. & Warman, L.D. 2005.Biodiversity conservation and protectedareas in British Columbia (in) Hooper,T.D. (Ed.). Proceedings of the Speciesat Risk 2004 Pathways to RecoveryConference. March 2-6, 2004, Victoria,B.C. Species at Risk 2004 Pathwaysto Recovery Conference OrganizingCommittee, Victoria, B.C.Scudder, G.G.E. 2005. Heteroptera(Hemiptera: Prosorrhyncha) new toCanada. Part 2. J. Entomol. Soc. BritishColumbia 101(2004):125-130.Human HistoryHammond, Lorne F. 2005. “Menfish andthe Great Hydrosphere,” EnvironmentalHistory 10:4 (October 2005): 695-697.Hammond, Lorne F., with Michael Pennockof the Fernie and District HistoricalSociety, et al. Capturing History: JosephFrederick Spalding. Photographer –Tourist – Visionary. Website. Community-University Research Alliance project, inpartnership with the Maltwood Museum,University of Victoria. Online September2005. http://www.maltwood.uvic.ca/spalding/Research PresentationsHammond, Lorne. 2005. Presented a paperat the Annual Conference of the AmericanSociety for Environmental History titled“Early Oil Debates on British Columbia’sNorthern Coast, 1911-1939.” Houston,Texas.Hammond, Lorne F. 2005. “Local MuseumCollections, Community Networks andResearch Panel C-2: Collections Research:A Collaborative Enterprise.” BritishColumbia Museums Association. 49thAnnual Conference, Kelowna.Hammond, Lorne F. and Michael Pennock,2005. Fernie Historical Society andArchives. “Community Histories inPhotographs: Engaging CommunitiesThrough Photographic Collections: JosephFrederick Spalding, Photographer,”Sharing Knowledge Through ResearchPartnership A SSHRC-Community-University Research Alliance Conference.University of Victoria. Transcript online:http://cura.uvic.ca/data/transcript.pdfHammond, Lorne F. 2005. “The Careerof John Sebastian Helmcken and HisMedical Collection,” Newcombe LectureSeries. Royal BC Museum.Hammond, Lorne F. 2006. “TheNegotiator: Creating “Nature” ThroughTransboundary Change, “AmericanSociety for Environmental History.Keddie and Erle Nelson, “An Arrow fromthe Tsitsutl Glacier, British Columbia”Canadian Journal of Archaeology, Vol. 29,Issue 1, 2005.A projectile point made of chalcedonyexcavated in 1969 from archaeologicalsite at Arrow Lakes, BC.Keddie, Grant. 2005. “Atlatl Weights in theCollection of the Royal B.C. Museum”RBCM report.Keddie, Grant. 2005. “The QuiltantonLake Atlatl (EcRg-Y:1), A TechnicalDescription.” RBCM report.Keddie, Grant. 2006. “Japanese ShipWreck and Other Things” UnderwaterArchaeology Conference - UnderwaterArchaeological Society of BritishColumbia. Maritime Museum.Keddie, Grant. 2005. “Expansion,Contraction and Inter-Connectedness,”Canadian Archaeology Association,Nanaimo.Keddie, Grant. 2005. “Projectile points fromSouthern Vancouver Island,” CanadianArchaeology Association, NanaimoSavard, Dan. 2005. “Changing Images:Photographic Collections of First Peoplesof the Pacific Northwest Coast , 1860-1920.” BC Studies, 145: Spring 2005,pp 55-96.Mackie, Q.; Martina Steffen, and NicoleF. Smith. 2005. “High ResolutionArchaeology of the Early Holocene layersat the Richardson Island ArchaeologicalSite, Haida Gwaii.” Canadian ArchaeologyAssociation, Nanaimo.30McLaren, Duncan and Martina Steffen.2005. “A Sequence of Formed Bifacesfrom the Fraser Valley Region of BritishColumbia.” Canadian ArchaeologyAssociation, Nanaimo.Rajala. 2005. Feds, Forests, and Fire: ACentury of Canadian Forestry Innovation.Canada Science and Technology Museum.APPENDIX CPublic ProgramsAstronomy DayApril 16, 2005The Royal BC Museum and RoyalAstronomical Society of Canada presenteda full day of family-oriented space activitiesand discussion by professional astronomersabout the meaning of the universe, and tolearn how amateur astronomers can observespace with regular binoculars and telescopes.Multimedia presentations will take visitors ona journey through the solar system, and offera special look at Canada’s presence in space.7th Annual Vancouver IslandRegional Heritage FairMay 6, 2005The Historical Heritage Fair provides localstudents in grades four to nine with theopportunity to exhibit their original Canadianhistory projects. Several of the projects ondisplay will be selected to go to the NationalHistorical Heritage Fair in early July.Sustainable Energy Now!Solving the Energy PuzzleJune 4–5, 2005The Royal BC Museum and the BCSustainable Energy Association collaborateddisplays, demonstrations and presentationsshowcasing alternative energy options,including solar and wind power to geothermal,biodiesel, and sustainable methods ofgenerating power. Local providers ofalternative energy equipment as well as localclubs and associations hosted displays andtalked to museum visitors about options forpower generation.B.C. Conservation Officers’Service ExhibitionSeptember 3–5, 2005Discover ProgramDaily at 1:15 p.m.Discover: Life on the Beach; Skeletons;Special Effects; Your Family History;Something You’ve Never Seen Before;A History Mystery; Preserving Our PastThis unique provides visitors with a behindthe-sceneslook at the museum professionthrough storytelling, demonstrations andinteractive experiences with our collections.

Remembrance Commemorations –“Remembering the Past, Hoping forthe Future”November 5 – 11, 2005The Royal BC Museum is proud to recognizethe role Canadians have served in worldconflicts and in peacekeeping work aroundthe world. Many local veterans organizationsand community groups hosted a variety ofspecial displays and events throughout theweekend, in addition to exhibits from theRoyal BC Museum’s collection includingrecruiting posters, uniforms and badgesfrom the First World War.The exhibition of the replica of the NationalAboriginal Veterans Monument, was alsoon display for the first time in Victoria. Forthose unable to travel to Ottawa to see theoriginal, which was unveiled in early 2005.Astronomy Day participants talk tomuseum visitors.An Old Fashioned Christmasat Helmcken HouseDecember 17 – 31, 2005The traditions of Christmas and thecelebration of the season as was commonin the Victorian period and were exploredin this fun and educational program. Relivesome of the traditional festivities of aVictorian Christmas.Spring Break at the Royal BC MuseumMarch 14-17, 2006Daily activities included hands-onworkshops, interactive presentations aboutmammoths, marine life, bears, and wolves,and curator presentations.School ProgramsOn-site school programs on a variety ofsubjects have been given every year fornearly 30 years at the RBCM.Programs included:Fins, Feathers and Fur Grades K/1Wild World of Wolves Grades 2/3A Century Ago Grades 2/3A Day’s Journey Grade 4Our Changing Climate Grades 4/5Wealth from the Ground Grade 5Marsh Monsters and Swamp Things: TheMicroscopic World of Wetlands Grades 6/7An Old-Fashioned Christmas at HelmckenHouse Grades 3/4/5Military Historian Paul Ferguson helpsVeteran Hill Wilson discover detailsabout family and friends in databasesof military personnel.Adult Tour ProgramVolunteer tour guides conduct highlightstours of the permanent galleries for prebookedgroups, new-volunteer museumorientation and visiting dignitaries. As avalue-added experience during the summerseason, visitors could take 1 hour toursof particular galleries for an in depthlook at the human and natural history ofBritish Columbia. The apprentice programcontinues to recruit and train new volunteerseager “to share our story with the world.”Junior Docent ProgramA number of enthusiastic youth volunteer inthe Helmcken House Christmas program,and in the permanent gallery animationprogram, where they educate and entertain.Tibet: Mountains &Valleys, Castles and TentsSpeaker’s Series:Dr. Robert ThurmanMarch 19, 2005“Time chose Professor Thurman as one ofits 25 most influential Americans in 1997,describing him as a “larger than life scholaractivistdestined to convey the dharma, theprecious teachings of Siddhartha, from Asiato America.”The Sacred Art of TibetBarry Till Curator of Asian Art,Art Gallery of Greater VictoriaApril 16, 2005A lecture dealing with the religious art ofTibet including thangka paintings, sculpture,architecture, and religious artifacts.The World of the Dalai LamaVictor ChanMay 7, 2005Based on the spiritual and emotional insightsVictor Chan has gleaned from his threedecades-oldfriendship with the Dalai Lama.From 1999 to 2004, Chan worked andtravelled extensively with the Tibetan leader.The result is the newly published The Wisdomof Forgiveness: Intimate Conversations andJourneys, a book translated into 12 languages.Introduction to Tibetan MedicineDr. Tsering LhamoMay 28, 2005The practice of Tibetan medicine has hoverednear extinction for the past forty years,though there are increasing efforts underway now to preserve it, with some success.Under the direction of the Dalai Lama, theTibetan Medical and Astrological Institute,also known as Men-Tsee-Khang, wasestablished in Dharamsala in 1961 as a schoolwhere Tibetans in exile could receive Tibetanmedical training towards becoming a doctor.In the Discover amphitheatre, museum and archives staff give daily presentations tovisitors on BC’s history and nature, and even reveal some exhibit secrets.31

questions and gave a tour of 25 photos hetook of the event that were on display at themuseum.A History of the Psychedelic Poster.Jerry LuckyDecember 4, 2005In this illustrated talk Victoria broadcasterand music historian Jerry Lucky, looked atthe history of the psychedelic poster. Usingmaterial from the Avalon Ballroom in SanFrancisco Jerry discussed the evolutionof posters of the sixties. Twenty-fourpsychedelic posters from Lucky’s collectionwere on display.This sand mandala created by the Gaden Jangtse Monks in the Tibet exhibit gallery waslater destroyed as a metaphor of the impermanence of life.Film Presentation: The Reincarnationof Khensur Rinpoche (1997)June 9, 2005Viewers were invited to grow closer tounderstanding the Buddhist rebirthof the soul as a monk searches for thereincarnation of his spiritual master ina four-year-old boy.Gaden Jangste Monastery MonksJune 28 – July 2, 20052nd Floor Tibetan GalleryTen monks from the Gaden JhangtseMonastery (Tsawa Khangsten) began their3-day construction of a sand mandala in theTibet gallery. This intricate coloured sandmandala was dedicated to Chanregsi, theManifestation of Buddha’s compassion. Thecreation of a mandala ranks as one of themost unique and exquisite artistic traditionsof Tibet. Millions of grains of sand arepainstakingly laid into place on a flat platformover a period of days or weeks. Formed of amultitude of ancient spiritual symbols, thesand-painted mandala is used as a tool forre-consecrating the art and its inhabitants.Tibetan BuddhismGeshe Tashi Namgyal,with T.C. TethongSeptember 24, 2005A discussion on the basic tenets of TibetanBuddhism by the highly respected Lama,Geshe Tashi Namgyal, who lives in Victoria –with English interpretation by T.C. Tethong.Adult Workshops: The History andArt of Thangka PaintingSeptember 10, 17, 24 and October 1September 11, 18, 25 and October 2Celebrated thangka artist Kalsang Dawainstructed two four-part workshops onconsecutive Saturdays or Sundays.Taste of TibetFriday, September 30, 6:30 to 9:00 pmAn evening of traditional Tibetan food withguided tour of the exhibition.Film Presentation: The Yogis of Tibet:A Film for Posterity (2002)October 6, 2005This superb film examined “Tibet’s spiritualheart and soul.” With their tradition nearingextinction, the Yogis of Tibet share theirsecret, rigorous training of the mind thathas existed for thousands of years.Linda McCartney’s Sixties:Portrait of an EraDecember 2, 2005 toMarch 5, 2006Give Peace a Chance:Reminiscences of John and YokoGerry DeiterDecember 3, 2005Victoria photography, Gerry Dieter,recounted his experiences during the 1969Montreal Bed In for Peace, bed-in, answeredGive Peace a Chance:Memories of John LennonDecember 8, 2005On the 25th anniversary of John Lennon’sdeath photographer Gerry Deiter discussedhis time with John Lennon and read amemoir he wrote after Lennon’s death.Vancouver musician, Shawn Verreault, leda live broadcast of ‘Give Peace A Chance.’Electric Sound – the Emergence ofthe Synthesizer in ’60s Rock & RollJanuary 14 – 15, 2006The sound of the synthesizer is one of thedefining sounds of the sixties. University ofVictoria music students performed sixtiesclassics and original works on their Moogsynthesizer in the Sixties exhibit gallery atthe Royal BC Museum.Easy Rider –’60s Motorcycle WeekendJanuary 21 – 29, 2006Twenty classic sixties motorcycles, includingEnglish, American and Japanese modelsdisplayed in the photo exhibition.Vintage motorcycles on display during ’Sixties Motorcycle Weekend.32

Alignment with Government StrategyThe RBCM’s vision supports specific aspects of theFive Great Goals.1. To make BC the best educated, most literate jurisdictionon the continent.The RBCM supports British Columbia’s education systemby providing free access to the public galleries to over34,000 students annually. The RBCM will continue tooperate popular school programs on a cost-recovery basis.The Amazing Time Machine and Virtual Museum, anonline gallery based on the school curriculum, reachesmillions annually and provides important support foreducation. In addition, the RBCM contributes researchfor the creation of books that are available in schools anduniversity libraries. Teachers and students enjoy educationmaterials and programs that are developed by the RBCM.The RBCM will continue the partnership withgovernment organizations, such as the Vital StatisticsAgency, to maintain and add to the birth, death andmarriage indexes, which are a popular source ofgenealogy research. The RBCM is the Archives ofthe Government of British Columbia and meets thegovernment’s archival obligations under the DocumentDisposal Act and the Museum Act.Information about our collections is available to allBritish Columbians remotely at libraries, homes andbusinesses via the internet.2. To lead the way in North America in healthy livingand physical fitness.Healthy minds ensure healthy bodies. The RBCM,Island Farms Dairy and BC Transit have developed ajoint program where BC Transit transports inner cityschoolchildren to the RBCM for a program and IslandFarms provides a healthy snack.Volunteers are integral to our success, and theirinvolvement provides an opportunity to stimulate mindsand share their knowledge with others. The RBCMactively engages the community through its recruitmentof volunteers for continuing and special programs,linked to the collections and exhibits.3. To build the best system of support in Canada for personswith disabilities, special needs, children at risk and seniors.We provide more than 400 complimentary galleryadmissions to persons with disabilities annually. Weare the place of choice for over 450 volunteers, of which60% are seniors. In conjunction with the VancouverIsland Heath Authority, we are exploring fundingopportunities for a program called “Memory Boxes,”which have been shown to assist Alzheimer patients.4. To lead the world in sustainable environmentalmanagement, with the best air and water quality, andthe best fisheries management, bar none.The RBCM, through its new Climate Change Exhibit,strives to illustrate the benefits of environmentalawareness to all visitors. There are many stationsthroughout the exhibit that allow visitors to access themost current information regarding climate change andwhat each person can do around their own homes thatwill help them with the impending changes.The building blocks of the environment are thespecies that reside within it, and the staff at the RBCMidentifies the species that exist in British Columbia. Thepreservation and study of the specimens in our naturalhistory collection helps us determine changes thatspecies are undergoing. They are used as a benchmarkfor evaluation as we examine the impacts of changethroughout the province.5. To create more jobs per capita than anywhere elsein Canada.The RBCM works with many community and businesspartners to draw tourists and local residents to the RBCM.These include tourism bureaus, other leading attractions,tour operators, hotels, transportation companies, privatesector corporations, Crown Corporations and mediapartners. Through Living Landscapes, the RBCM works inpartnership with communities throughout BC. Currentlywe are working in the Peace River-Northern Rockies andpreparations have begun for work in our next area – theNorthwest-Stikine.Our revitalization plans for the cultural precinctwill include public-private partnerships. The RBCMcontributes to the private-sector economy as BritishColumbia’s second-most visited tourist attractionon Vancouver Island, after Butchart Gardens,contributing $63 million in direct annual spending inGreater Victoria. The RBCM’s exhibits showcase theprovince’s human and natural history, exploration andtransformation. Special exhibits build excitement anddraw new and repeat visitation.

675 Belleville StreetVictoria, BC CanadaV8W 9W2250-356-72261-888-447-7977www.royalbcmuseum.bc.ca