TOFINO – Here on the west coast we are welcoming the arrival of high speed internet to the entire community. While some businesses and residents have had high speed internet for some time, the fibre optic network was not functional until this month.
The new fibre optic development by providers Telus and Mascon Cable changes the game for the area. Not only will visitors be able to change speeds they’re accustomed to at home, but businesses now have fewer impediments.
It also opens up another potential sector – the remote worker. In the past this sector was limited, as often internet providers could not meet requirements.
Now, Tofino’s tight housing market may be the only restriction for potential remote workers from making the lifestyle move to the west coast. The Chamber together with the District of Tofino is looking at ways to embrace this new potential economic sector.
Mascon Cable is a Chamber member and new company to the area, having taken over the internet network of the former Seaview Cable. In addition to the fibre optic upgrade, the Salmon Arm-based company is also providing cable television services and has donated two channels to the community, including one to the Chamber of Commerce.
We are thankful to be able to offer additional advertising opportunities to our members through the channel and are appreciative of this new community partner.
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We welcome the following new members to the Chamber network: Tofino Coffee, Tofino Air, Jarmos B&B, Habit Clothing, Girl on a Board Kite School and Pilot House Media.
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Here at the Chamber we have now wrapped up our events until September as our members turn their focus to the busy summer season. Our final member event in June was a delicious lunch at the Ice House Oyster Bar on June 28th. A huge thank-you to Alan Beesley and his crew at the Ice House, who provided an amazing spread, complete with fresh oysters, salad, choice of entrees, and dessert.
– Jen Dart is Executive Director of the Tofino-Long Beach Chamber of Commerce. She can be reached at 250.725.3153. www.tofinochamber.org.
