Island Coastal Economic Trust

10/22/2026

🌿 Wishing everyone a great Tourism Vancouver Island 2026 Stewardship Summit!

We’re pleased to once again sponsor 4VI’s Stewardship Summit, which kicks off this evening in Ucluelet!

Over the next two days, conversations will focus on destination stewardship, collaboration, and the role tourism can play in supporting thriving communities and a resilient regional economy.

At Island Coastal Economic Trust, we know that a strong tourism sector depends on healthy communities, local partnerships, and thoughtful, long-term planning. We’re glad to support gatherings like this that bring people together to learn from one another and turn shared priorities into action.

Wishing everyone attending, presenting, and organizing a fantastic summit. We look forward to seeing the ideas and connections that come out of this year’s gathering!

10/22/2026

Port Alberni’s Harbour Quay is ready for its national close-up! 🏘️

This Sunday, Home Town Takeover Canada premieres on HGTV, shining a national spotlight on Port Alberni and the revitalization of Harbour Quay.

When the opportunity came to bid for the show, the City had to move quickly. An early investment from Island Coastal Economic Trust helped make that bid possible, giving Port Alberni the chance to showcase its community spirit to audiences across Canada.

Harbour Quay is the centrepiece of the community makeover. Improvements to the Marine Building, Spirit Square, and surrounding public spaces include new small-business spaces, a covered patio, and a bandshell, creating more room for entrepreneurs, markets, performances, and community events.

The Trust’s $200,000 investment builds on a long-standing partnership with Port Alberni and more than $9 million attracted in Harbour Quay investments over the years. These projects have helped strengthen existing businesses, open doors for new ones, and support a more vibrant local economy.

It’s a great example of how strategic investment can help communities seize an opportunity and turn it into lasting benefits at home.

📺 Home Town Takeover Canada premieres Sunday, October 25 on HGTV.

🔗 Read the full announcement: https://islandcoastaltrust.ca/news/home-town-takeover-canada-to-spotlight-harbour-quay-revitalization-in-port-alberni/

10/19/2026

Congratulations to the leaders our coastal communities have chosen to serve!

From the North Island to the Sunshine Coast, municipal leaders are stepping into new and returning roles. Among them are Ladysmith Mayor Deena Beeston and North Cowichan Mayor Rob Douglas, both elected to another term. They’re pictured together here at the celebration marking the completion of upgrades to the historic Machine Shop – Heart of the Hub in Ladysmith.

Local leaders are at the heart of how the Trust works. Mayors, regional district chairs, MLAs, and provincial appointees sit on our Board and Regional Advisory Committees. Together, they make sure every investment reflects the priorities of the communities we serve.

To those concluding their terms: thank you. Your work has strengthened local economies and opened new opportunities across our coast.

To those beginning or continuing their service: welcome. We look forward to working with you and our new appointees to build a strong, resilient coastal economy.

10/16/2026

Wonderful to see this project continue to grow roots for 'Namgis First Nation! The Trust was proud to invest early in this project in 2023 and we're delighted to be seeing the fruits of this innovative initiative.

🌱 The 'Na̱mg̱is Greenhouse Project has a name!

Introducing Max̱'inux̱ Produce!! It’s the same produce you love from our greenhouses with a new look and name that came from conversations with our elders and community. We are so excited to share the story behind its name and logo...

Max̱'inux̱ is the Kwak̓wala word for "Black Fish" or "Killer Whale", and is inspired by the greenhouse pods themselves, which call to mind the family pods that killer whales travel in.

The killer whale is a symbol of family, leadership, and protection, and the name speaks to the connection, resilience, and collective strength found within a pod.

Every element of the logo tells part of that story:

🌱 Sprout: Fresh food, growth, food security, local jobs, and future generations.
🐋 Whale tail: Represents Max̱'inux̱ and the growing pods.
🌲 Roots: Inspired by the Tree of Life, rooted in culture, community, and care for future generations.
☀️ Sun: Life and energy, from sunlight to hydroponic lights for year-round growing.
💧 Water: Nourishes plants, as the ocean has sustained the 'Na̱mg̱is people for generations.

The logo design was a group effort, with early draft concept by Renea Dallas Hanuse and input from other local artists.

Rooted in 'Na̱mg̱is values and supported by modern innovation, Max̱'inux̱ Produce is cultivating more than fresh food. It is cultivating food security, opportunity, and a healthy future for generations to come.

We are so proud of how far this project has come and excited about everything still ahead. 🙌

Learn more about our work at: www.nbdc.ca

̱inux̱Produce ̱mg̱is ̱ka̱wakw

10/15/2026

Strategic planning is an important first step in building strong, sustainable businesses and creating lasting economic impact for communities.

Tseshaht Enterprises is now in the process of developing a five-year strategic plan to guide the growth of its business activities, exploring new opportunities for Tseshaht First Nation and its members.

The plan will explore potential inroads in sectors such as tourism, marine services, environmental services, and natural resource management, while helping to identify ways to diversify the Nation’s business portfolio, strengthen partnerships, expand existing businesses, and create pathways to employment, training, and entrepreneurship. Community values and environmental stewardship will also be integral to any planning and future investments.

This is the kind of forward-thinking initiative that helps communities expand economic opportunity, adapt to changing economic conditions, and build the foundation for sustainable, long-term prosperity across the region.

Island Coastal Economic Trust is proud to be investing $30,000 through our Investment Readiness – Economic Strategy Stream, contributing to a $60,000 planning project that will help establish priorities and a practical roadmap for future growth.

🔗 Learn more about the project and its expected impact: https://islandcoastaltrust.ca/project/development-of-five-year-strategic-plan/

10/14/2026

Local investment. Regional impact. Stronger coastal communities.

What does it take to build a more resilient economy across a region as diverse as Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast? It takes local knowledge, strong partnerships, and investment that responds to the opportunities and challenges communities face.

A new feature in BCBusiness looks at the role regional economic trusts play in supporting that work across British Columbia, including how Island Coastal Economic Trust helps advance projects that might otherwise struggle to get off the ground.

From essential infrastructure and Indigenous-led businesses to tourism, food systems and emerging industries, these projects help create jobs, strengthen local businesses, and diversify regional economies.

As CEO Brodie Guy explains in the article:

“We just have our finger on the pulse and understand what people are looking to build.”

That connection to communities is central to the Trust’s approach. It also underpins the work now underway to modernize the organization, with First Nations, local governments, and the Province exploring a future built on shared leadership and long-term regional investment.

The opportunity is significant: to build on two decades of impact and ensure coastal communities have the partnerships and resources to realize their economic potential.

Read the BCBusiness feature on the role of regional economic trusts in B.C.’s economic future:
🔗 https://bcbusiness.ca/invest-in-bc/b-c-s-economic-trusts-support-critical-regional-development/

10/08/2026

What does regional economic development look like when communities take the lead?

A new feature in Douglas Magazine takes a closer look at the impact of Island Coastal Economic Trust and the role it is playing in building a stronger, more resilient coastal economy.

Since 2006, the Trust has invested more than $68 million across Vancouver Island, the Sunshine Coast and coastal communities, helping attract more than $406 million in economic development investment. In 2025–26 alone, the Trust committed $2.24 million across 32 projects, helping catalyze more than $45 million in new investment.

But the numbers tell only part of the story.

The Trust’s Wellbeing Impact Framework is helping measure how investments contribute to economic prosperity, social empowerment, climate resilience, and cultural vitality, providing a broader picture of how regional investment strengthens communities over the long term.

Today, the Trust is also at an important turning point. First Nations, local governments, and the Province are working together to modernize the Trust to ensure this community-led institution can continue creating impact for generations to come.

We encourage you to read the Douglas Magazine feature for a closer look at the Trust’s impact and the opportunity ahead for coastal communities.

10/07/2026

Esquimalt Nation (Xʷsepsəm) is developing its first Economic Development Strategy, creating a roadmap to guide future investment, partnerships, and economic opportunities aligned with community priorities and Lekwungen values.

The strategy will help the Nation identify and evaluate opportunities both on reserve and throughout Lekwungen traditional territory, while building practical tools to support future partnerships, acquisitions, investments and real estate opportunities.

This work is expected to support the expansion of six existing Nation-owned businesses, strengthen three regional partnerships and identify future opportunities for employment, training, entrepreneurship, and economic participation for Esquimalt members.

The Trust is proud to be investing $30,000 in the Strategy through our Investment Readiness – Economic Strategy Stream Program, helping Esquimalt Nation build the tools and capacity needed to pursue long-term economic opportunities.

Learn more about the project and its expected impact: https://islandcoastaltrust.ca/project/esquimalt-nation-x%ca%b7seps%c9%99m-economic-development-strategy/

(Image by Darlene Gait)

10/06/2026

From a local trail project to one of Vancouver Island’s best-known tourism destinations!

The Wild Pacific Trail in Ucluelet is enjoying some well-earned attention after its Lighthouse Loop was named one of North America’s top 10 fall hikes by Travel + Leisure.
It's a great example of what long-term regional investment can help make possible.

The Trust was an early partner in the trail’s development, investing $95,000 in 2007 to improve parking and access. That project expanded capacity with a 60-vehicle parking lot, washrooms, and new access trails, helping the growing attraction accommodate more visitors.

Building on that success, the Trust invested another $55,500 in 2014 to help develop the Ancient Cedars section, including 1.5 kilometres of new trail and access to the old-growth forest known as the Walk of Giants.

Together, these investments helped strengthen a trail system that has grown into a major tourism asset for Ucluelet and the West Coast. The trail has attracted new visitors and residents, encouraged longer stays, and been cited as a reason businesses have invested in the community.

A great reminder that strategic investment in community infrastructure can create economic benefits that continue to grow for years to come.

Find the CHEK News story and see why the Wild Pacific Trail is getting some well-deserved fall attention. 🍂

10/01/2026

A recent Alberni Valley News story explores the growing challenge of what happens to aging and abandoned vessels along B.C.’s coast and the opportunity to develop responsible ship recycling capacity closer to home.

On the Island, the Ship Recycling Leadership Group is bringing together First Nations, local governments, industry, environmental organizations and other partners to explore the potential for a ship recycling facility in Port Alberni.

Trust CEO Brodie Guy is helping lead that conversation as chair of the group, which is looking at how the Alberni Valley could support a new economic opportunity while and respecting Indigenous leadership and stewardship.

The opportunity could mean new investment, skilled employment and industrial activity, all while meeting high safety standards and helping address a growing need for responsible end-of-life vessel management in B.C. The potential is great, and collaboration across governments, industry and communities will be essential to developing an approach that creates lasting economic benefits while protecting the environment.

Read the Alberni Valley News story to learn more about the challenge facing B.C.’s coast and the work underway to explore a potential solution in Port Alberni.