COMOX VALLEY — Discovery Islands Chamber of Commerce and Royal Roads University, in partnership with Salt Spring Island Farmland Trust, lead two initiatives with new project investments from Island Coastal Economic Trust.
These two projects were empowered through the Trust’s Investment Readiness program, which was recently streamlined to provide up to $30,000 across four funding streams:
- Project Development
- Sector Development
- Regional Collaboration
- Economic Strategy
Through this program, the Trust invests in communities across the region to undertake vital local and regional initiatives that will attract new investment, build long-term economic development capacity, and provide value-added services or systems for local businesses.
Royal Roads University, in partnership with Salt Spring Island Farmland Trust, will lead a collaborative planning process to develop a strategic plan and operational framework for the recently established Royal Roads University property on Salt Spring Island, known as Bloom Castle by the Sea.
“We are honoured to become a part of this very important community with the exceptional gift of Bloom Castle by the Sea. We are looking forward to the process of exploring the potential of this one-of-a-kind learning experience with partners, stakeholders and community engagement,” stated Philip Steenkamp, President, Royal Roads University.
This community-informed initiative focuses on three key outcomes:
- Findings and Recommendation Report, identifying opportunities for campus infrastructure and programming investments.
- Partnership agreements to guide collaborative program and service delivery.
- Extended community engagement highlighting strengthened relationships and partnership with all potential user groups.
With direct benefits for the local community, Royal Roads alumni, students, and regional partners, the project will ensure the campus evolves as a hub for education, collaboration, and innovation.
The project strives to directly benefit diverse communities, including Salt Spring Island Residents and the 14 Indigenous communities with linkages to Salt Spring Island: BOḰEĆEN First Nation, Halalt First Nation, Lyackson First Nation, MÁLEXEȽ Nation, Penálaxeth’ Tribe, Quw’utsun Tribes, SEMYOME First Nation, Snuneymuxw First Nation, SȾÁUTW̱ First Nation, Stz’uminus First Nation, Tsawwassen First Nation, W̱JOȽEȽP First Nation, Ts’uubaa-asatx First Nation, and W̱SIḴEM First Nation. It will also engage local non-profit organizations, local businesses, and the Royal Roads community of 35,000 alumni, 5,000 students, and 500 staff and faculty.
The Trust is investing $30,000 with Royal Roads University towards a $117,250 project investment for their Bloom Castle by the Sea Regional Planning Process. The investment is through the regional collaboration stream of the Trust’s Investment Readiness program.
To learn how this project contributes to community wellbeing, read its project investment page: Collaborative Strategy Planning Guides Royal Roads University Development for Salt Spring Island Campus
“This project is an exciting opportunity to invest in partnership with a world-class B.C. university to establish a new campus focused on serving rural island communities. We look forward to seeing the many economic, social, and cultural impacts that will flow from this inclusive approach to education and research on Salt Spring Island,” added Brodie Guy, CEO, Island Coast Economic Trust.
Community-led Inclusive Economic Diversification Plan Process Begins on Quadra Island
The Discovery Island Chamber of Commerce will lead an initiative to create a comprehensive Economic Diversification and Development Plan. The project aims to identify growth opportunities, enhance local capacity, and address barriers including limited infrastructure and market access.
“We are thrilled by the Trust’s support for our Economic Diversification Plan for Quadra Island. This partnership will empower us to tackle key economic challenges through a collaborative and inclusive approach, engaging local businesses, First Nations, and community members. By focusing on sustainable growth, this plan will unlock new opportunities for investment, enhance economic capacity, and foster a resilient, diversified economy that benefits all residents. We look forward to working together to strengthen Quadra Island’s economic future,” said Carol Ann Terreberry, President, Discovery Islands Chamber of Commerce.
Through collaboration with We Wai Kai Nation and Quadra Island Foundation, the initiative will ensure an inclusive approach be used to develop a plan based on community input, cultural protocols, and establishing actionable strategies to enhance the overall economic opportunity of the region and unlock new potential for private and public investment.
The Trust is investing with the Discovery Island Chamber of Commerce on the Economic Diversification Plan for Quadra Island through the economic strategy stream of its Investment Readiness Program. The Trust will contribute $30,000 towards a total project investment of $60,000.
To learn how this project will contribute across four bottom lines – economic prosperity, social empowerment, climate resiliency, and cultural vitality – to strengthen community wellbeing, please visit the Project Investment Page: Community-led Inclusive Economic Diversification Plan Process Begins on Quadra Island
Source: ICET
