TOFINO – The busy summer season is in full swing here on the west coast.
Our second quarter visitor statistics are on par with some of the busiest years in recent memory (2005-06), and businesses in Tofino are anecdotally reporting that they’ve had the busiest single days of sales in their overall history.
The District of Tofino is running a free shuttle bus to resorts, beaches and many stops in between, for the second year in a row. The free shuttle helps to alleviate congestion and parking issues in the small downtown core of Tofino.
This is a unique seasonal solution to local transportation issues, funded by the District of Tofino through the Resort Municipality Initiative, and supported by Tourism Tofino. Local leaders, including the Chamber of Commerce, hope to see the service expanded to include the neighbouring communities of Ty-histannis, Esowista and Ucluelet, as well as Pacific Rim National Park Reserve on a year-round basis. Regional transportation difficulties directly affect business, impacting the flow of both employees and potential customers. Currently there is no public transportation available between west coast communities.
Like many Island communities, Tofino is facing water restrictions this summer. The Every Drop of Water Counts campaign run by Tourism Tofino and the District of Tofino’s 20% Challenge are two programs aimed at urging conservation among residents, visitors and businesses. This proactive approach is similar to the one being undertaken by the Regional District of Nanaimo, where neighbours can nominate one another as water champions. The Chamber is also highlighting the efforts of local businesses to conserve water on social media, and these run the gamut from using low-flush toilets to changing practices in restaurants and surf shops to conserve (#TofinoH2O). The business community is also stepping up to the challenge, with many passing along the message to visitors in creative ways. For more, check out the efforts of Jamie’s Rainforst Inn and Chef Ian Riddick’s efforts at the Great Room at Long Beach Lodge Resort (www.jamiesinn.com, www.longbeachlodgeresort.com).
Local resorts and other businesses are transporting water from commercial producers on Vancouver Island in order to give guests their full experiences. Many local businesses have rainwater catchment systems they make use of during shortage periods and in the summer when water rates are higher.
Last month brought some exciting news for the local whale watching industry and marine community here in Tofino. A female transient orca gave birth to a new calf in Clayoquot Sound around June 9. Local whale watchers John Forde and Jennifer Steven of The Whale Centre were able to identify the mother and even get an underwater recording of the new calf. Rod Palm and his crew at Strawberry Isle Marine Research Society keep a close eye on local marine mammals and other species. Rod has suggested “Fortune” as a name for the new Tofino resident, after the channel in which the baby was born.
Thanks to all those who visited the west coast this summer, and to all those frontline workers who make your experience a memorable one!
– Jen Dart is Executive Director of the Tofino-Long Beach Chamber of Commerce.
