Project Title:

Port Alice Community Gateway

Project Organization:

Village of Port Alice

Project Investment:

  • Island Coastal Economic Trust: $12,500
  • Village of Port Alice: $10,000
  • Regional District of Mount Waddington: $2,500
  • Total Budget: $25,000

In response to industrial curtailment, the remote village of Port Alice created an economic development strategy to support diversification in the local economy. Increasing awareness and marketing of Port Alice as a visitor destination, especially for visitors already on the North Island, was identified as a clear opportunity for growth.  With no presence or wayfinding at the highway junction, the community was missing out on “low hanging” visitor attraction opportunities.
Moving the strategy into action, Quick Start funding helped establish two signs at the junction of Highway 19 and Highway 30 – encouraging motorists to turn off onto the scenic drive to Port Alice as they travel the main North Island highway. The new signs incorporated a refreshed municipal logo on attractive wood finished, cedar post signs inviting travelers to the ‘Gateway to the Wild West Coast.’
Completed in 2016, the updated signs have increased the profile of Port Alice drawing more tourism activity into the community. The project was an important first step creating strategic momentum for Port Alice tourism development, and enhancing the community’s viability as a visitor destination.