Supporters of the B.C. Maritime Museum met at the lawn of the legislature Tuesday to show their support for its bid to fill the CPR Steamship Terminal.

B次元官网网址淲eB次元官网网址檙e just trying to send the message that weB次元官网网址檙e still strong believers that this is the best use of this public facility,B次元官网网址� said museum president Jamie Webb.

The terminal used to house the Royal London Wax Museum until being shut for seismic upgrading.

Now, six candidates are bidding to lease the space, once the renovations are complete this fall.

The B.C. Maritime Museum is currently located in Bastion Square, but its building is too small and not suitable for the exhibits, Webb said.

A move to the Inner Harbour would bring more tourist traffic and better suit its seafaring theme. It would also open up new revenue streams, Webb added, such as food and drinks, public performances, and a gift shop.

The museumB次元官网网址檚 board estimates it would cost $5 million to set up shop at the CPR Steamship Terminal. As for rent payments, it B次元官网网址渄oes not expect to pay the same rate that would be charged for a Granville and Georgia type of location as it is offering a huge social and economic benefit to the city,B次元官网网址� according to board communications.

Webb said major donors have expressed willingness to contribute if the museum wins the lease. But, he added, B次元官网网址渋tB次元官网网址檚 hard to get support on something intangible, which is whatB次元官网网址檚 itB次元官网网址檚 been up until now.B次元官网网址�

WebbB次元官网网址檚 was one of three lease applications rejected in April. Since then, heB次元官网网址檚 characterized communication with the buildingB次元官网网址檚 manager, the Provincial Capital Commission, as B次元官网网址渞esounding silence.B次元官网网址�

Also applying for the space are pub owner Matt MacNeil, and Bob Wright of the Oak Bay Marine Group.