NORTH VANCOUVER ISLAND – There is much happening on North Vancouver Island these days. On Cormorant Island the Village of Alert Bay and the Namgis First Nation created a joint committee to lead the development of the “Tides of Change” economic development plan. EcoPlan International was the firm retained to consult with the two communities and develop the plan. This kind of cooperation and coordination the First Nation and the Village is bound to produce good and lasting results.
EcoPlan International is also the consultant to the Village of Port Alice as it develops an economic development blueprint “Port of Potential” to help mitigate the ups and downs of their largest employer, Neucel Specialty Cellulose.
In both of these areas and as a result of a focus on economic development planning, a number of people have come forward wanting to start their own businesses. A sure sign that entrepreneurism is alive and well, especially during times of adversity.
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In Port Hardy the Kawatsi Economic Development Corporation (KEDC) formed by the Gwa’sala-‘Nakwaxda’xw First Nations continues to be an economic force in that community. In its first year of operation the Corporation has now purchased two hotels, the Hardy Inn, which will be renamed Kwa’lilas Hotel and the Seagate Hotel, which will be renamed the “Seagate Landing.” Plans are made for major redevelopment of both hotels. KEDC also officially opened its 10,000 square foot cold storage unit this fall.
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Port Hardy is also working on a new Freight Policy with BC Ferries to open the shipping corridor to the central coast. There is a new IT company servicing Port Hardy, Izco Solutions Ltd. Allison McCarrick has been promoted from Director of Financial Services to the CAO of the District of Port Hardy.
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Visitors to the Vancouver Island North region from June to September 2015 were asked if they would like to submit their email addresses to receive a survey once they returned home. 971 email addresses were collected and 522 surveys were completed. The results of the survey show that the average length of stay in the region was 5.5 nights. We learned that 55 per cent of these visitors planned their trip at least one month in advance, with 12 per cent of those planning more than six months ahead. The top sources for information were destination-specific websites, friends and relatives, and regional tourism guides or brochures. Top attractions visited were parks and trails, and beaches, while top activities participated in were beach activities, whale watching, and hiking. Vancouver Island North received a 4.6 out of 5 rating for overall satisfaction from respondents to this survey.
Despite some difficult times last spring the Port McNeill and District Chamber of Commerce is up and running and planning its annual Business Awards Gala for November 20. The Chamber recently launched its redeveloped website: www.portmcneill.net.
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Community Futures Mt. Waddington was pleased to be the recipient of the Community Futures BC “Investment Fund Portfolio Award.” In total the CF’s activity last year resulted in $10 million dollars of investment in North Island businesses.
– David Mitchell is the General Manager of Community Futures Mount Waddington. He can be reached at david@cfmw.ca or 250-956-2220.
