Island Coastal Economic Trust

10/29/2026

When we work together, we build a stronger coastal economy.

In our latest News from the Coast newsletter, Trust CEO Brodie Guy reflects on B.C.’s elections and the opportunities ahead to work with new and returning municipal leaders, MLAs, the provincial government, First Nations, and communities across our region.

Economic prosperity depends on strong partnerships and a shared commitment to creating good jobs, growing local businesses, and diversifying rural and coastal economies.

Our latest newsletter explores what that work looks like in action, from Indigenous-led economic planning to community revitalization and investment that helps businesses and industries adapt and grow.

Inside the October edition:

• A message from our CEO on the elections and the importance of regional collaboration.

• How early investment from the Trust helped Port Alberni bring Home Town Takeover Canada to Harbour Quay.

• New economic planning initiatives supporting future opportunities for Tseshaht and Esquimalt Nations.

• Featured stories exploring how strategic investment can create jobs and strengthen local economies.

📬 Read the latest News from the Coast: https://mailchi.mp/38f721fb1924/news-from-the-coast-october

10/27/2026

📰 CBC News is highlighting how a new approach to recycling old wetsuits is supporting a more circular, sustainable local economy on Vancouver Island’s West Coast.

A new landfill ban on neoprene wetsuits in the Tofino-Ucluelet area is shining a spotlight on ReSurf, a Ucluelet-based initiative turning discarded surf gear into new opportunities through repair, refurbishment, and recycling.

Island Coastal Economic Trust invested $150,000 in ReSurf through our Capital and Innovation program, supporting a project that connects environmental action with local economic development.

By finding new uses for materials that would otherwise become waste, ReSurf is helping create local jobs, support innovation, and diversify economic opportunities on the West Coast.

Learn more about ReSurf: https://islandcoastaltrust.ca/project/start-up-of-resurf-recycling-business/

10/26/2026

A stronger coastal economy is something we build together.

Island Coastal Economic Trust congratulates Premier-designate Lorne Doerkson and every MLA elected to represent communities across B.C. We thank everyone who put their name forward to serve.

As a new provincial government takes shape, we look forward to working with the Province, local governments, First Nations, businesses, and community organizations to get the coastal economy moving. Together, we can create good jobs and grow and diversify the economy of Vancouver Island, the Sunshine Coast, and our surrounding coastal communities.

MLAs play an important role in the Trust’s work. They serve on our Regional Advisory Committees alongside local government leaders and other regional representatives. Their perspectives and priorities help guide the investments we make in the region.

The Trust is proud to continue that work as we advance locally driven projects, support regional priorities, partner with First Nations on economic reconciliation, and build long-term prosperity for coastal communities and the sectors that sustain them.

10/23/2026

Thank you!

This week, Island Coastal Economic Trust was delighted to take part in the 20th annual State of the Island Economic Summit, hosted by the The Vancouver Island Economic Alliance in Nanaimo.

From fruitful conversations and new connections to inspiring speakers and thoughtful discussions about the opportunities and challenges facing our region, the summit was a valuable reminder of what we can accomplish when people come together with a shared commitment to Vancouver Island’s future.

We were proud to sponsor this milestone event and to be part of the conversations bringing together business, First Nations, government, community leaders, and economic development partners from across the Island.
The work continues, and we’re excited to carry these conversations forward as we work together toward a stronger, more resilient coastal economy.

Thank you to VIEA for bringing everyone together, and to all the speakers, organizers, and attendees who made this year’s summit such a success!

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/