Island Coastal Economic Trust leveraged more than $20 for every $1 invested, committing $2.24 million across 32 projects throughout coastal communities
K’ómoks Territory, Courtenay, B.C. – Island Coastal Economic Trust has released its 2025–26 Impact Report, highlighting a year in which strategic investment and regional partnerships strengthened place-based economic development across Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast — advancing provincial priorities for growth, resilience, and reconciliation.
During the past year, the Trust approved 32 projects, investing $2.24 million to attract over $45 million in new investment across Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast. For every dollar invested, the Trust is leveraging more than $20 in additional investment into business start-ups, acquisitions, vital community infrastructure, and communities.
Since its founding by the Province of British Columbia in 2006, the Trust has approved 514 projects, investing more than $68 million to help catalyze $406.5 million in economic development across Vancouver Island, the Sunshine Coast, and numerous island and inlet communities.
“This year’s Impact Report reflects the strength of what can be achieved when communities, First Nations, local governments, businesses, and the Province work together toward regional priorities,” said Mayor Michelle Staples, Chair of Island Coastal Economic Trust. “Our investments continue to drive innovative projects and regional growth — but this is also a defining year. As we work with the Province, First Nations, and local governments to modernize the Trust, we’re making sure we’re working for our communities to keep this vital, community-led economic institution for generations to come.”
Building on the introduction of the Trust’s Wellbeing Impact Framework in 2024, this year’s report provides a comprehensive analysis of how the Trust is directly strengthening economic prosperity, social empowerment, climate resilience, and cultural vitality across British Columbia’s coast. The report includes cumulative impact data, including the diverse sources of new investment the Trust has partnered with to attract more than $70 million in the past two years.
Additionally, the report features projects from across the region that are strengthening local economies, creating jobs, supporting food security, expanding tourism opportunities, and building community resilience. Featured investments this year include:
- Surfrider Canada (Start-up of ReSurf Recycling Business)
- Huu-ay-aht First Nations (Hydroponic Farming Business Start-up)
- Harbour Authority of Salt Spring Island (Expansion of Salt Spring Island Air Facility)
- Sunshine Coast Arts Council (Fibre Farm at Persephone Brewing)
Beyond these economic investments, the report also highlights significant progress toward modernizing the Trust through new legislation being developed by the Province of British Columbia with First Nations, and local governments. The year also included the release of A Case for Change, an independent evaluation of the legislation governing the Trust. These independent reviews are required every five years — this latest report affirms the Trust’s value to the regional economy while cautioning that without a strategic, enabling investment, the Trust will be dissolved by 2028
“Regional economic development is most successful when it reflects the people and communities it serves,” said Brodie Guy, CEO, Island Coastal Economic Trust. “British Columbia’s regional trusts are uniquely positioned to strengthen the province’s investment climate, build durable consensus on economic development, advance reconciliation, and create certainty for long-term planning alongside strategic investments. Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast need to sustain and build on this institution as we map our shared economic future together.”
The 2025–26 Impact Report is now available online and provides an overview of the Trust’s investments, financial performance, regional partnerships, and strategic priorities over the past year.
Read the full 2025–26 Impact Report: https://islandcoastaltrust.ca/impact-report/
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About Island Coastal Economic Trust
Island Coastal Economic Trust is the regional development organization founded by the Province of British Columbia under the North Island-Coast Development Initiative Trust Act to serve Vancouver Island and the surrounding coast. We partner with First Nations, local governments, businesses, and non-profits to drive prosperity and diversify the coastal economy through strategic economic investments. Over $406.5 million in direct new investment has been attracted to coastal B.C. through our partnerships since 2006. We believe that meaningful and lasting change is best achieved through strong, collaborative partnerships that unite people, communities, sectors, and resources. As we work toward inclusive and resilient economic futures, we do so with a deep appreciation for the histories, contributions, and rights of the Kwak̓wala/Bakwam’kala, Nuučaa̓nuɫ, Éy7á7juuthem, Ligwilda’xw, Pəntl’áč, She shashishalhem, Hul’q’umi’num’, diitiidʔaatx̣, SENĆOŦEN, Skwxwú7mesh, Lekwungen, and T’Sou-ke speaking peoples.
The Trust’s mandate has been to support economic diversification and growth across Vancouver Island, the Sunshine Coast, and islands and inlets from the Salish Sea to Cape Caution (see Our Region). Serving more than half a million residents, the Trust partners with communities in the development and financing of their economic infrastructure and diversification efforts through a unique structure that is led by and accountable to communities.
Media Contacts:
Kyle Wells
Manager, Communications and Impact
Island Coastal Economic Trust
kyle@islandcoastaltrust.ca
250-871-7797
