Investment in new cabins will address changing accommodation needs and extend operating season
Cortes Island, B.C. – Hollyhock is investing in its accommodation infrastructure with the construction of eight new private cabins, helping the organization meet growing demand for accommodation while supporting tourism, local employment, and economic resilience on Cortes Island.
Hollyhock is a registered charity and social enterprise located on Cortes Island offering programs focused on leadership, the arts, wellness, environmental stewardship, and social change. As one of the largest employers on Cortes Island, Hollyhock provides seasonal and year-round employment for approximately 80 people and is a significant contributor to the local visitor economy.
Since the pandemic, demand for private accommodation has increased, creating a need for more single-occupancy options. The new cabins will help Hollyhock respond to changing visitor needs and strengthen shoulder-season operations, increasing earned revenue and helping provide greater employment stability.
“Like many non-profits, Hollyhock relies on multiple sources of revenue to fulfill its mission,” said Tecuana Cliffton-Wooldrige, Director of Operations at Hollyhock. “As a social enterprise, two-thirds of our annual revenue comes from tuition, meals, and accommodations. The remaining third comes from donors, foundations, and partners who support scholarships, transformational programming, and caring for this land. By offering single-occupancy cabins, we are able to strengthen earned revenue while responding to growing demand for private accommodations, resulting in greater job security for our staff and allowing us to continue providing wages that strengthen the Cortes Island economy.”
The project is the first step in Hollyhock’s long-term campus renewal strategy, which includes investments in solar energy, battery storage, greywater systems, a living septic system, and fire suppression infrastructure. Hollyhock is investing in infrastructure that better serves guests while strengthening the organization’s long-term financial sustainability.
Construction of the eight cabins is expected to be completed by December 2027.
“Congratulations to Hollyhock for contributing to growth in tourism and employment on Cortes Island,” said Anna Kindy, North Island MLA. “Looking forward to visiting soon to see the plans in action.”
In addition to strengthening Hollyhock’s tourism offerings, the project incorporates sustainable building practices, including fire-smart design, water conservation strategies, energy-efficient systems, and low-impact construction methods. The cabins will be carefully designed around the landscape, preserving mature trees wherever possible and minimizing disturbance. The project is led by local Cortes Island builder and Hollyhock Infrastructure Specialist Sadie Reed.
Through increased and stabilized accommodation revenue, the project is expected to create two permanent full-time positions, three permanent part-time positions, and eight seasonal jobs while supporting local builders and suppliers throughout construction. Hollyhock plans to source locally harvested timber through Klahoose Forestry, a First Nations-owned enterprise.
Island Coastal Economic Trust is investing $150,000 toward the $400,000 project through its Capital and Innovation Program under the Cultural and Nature-Based Tourism priority area.
“Hollyhock has been an important economic anchor and cultural asset for Cortes Island for more than four decades,” said Brodie Guy, CEO of Island Coastal Economic Trust. “By investing in its accommodation infrastructure, this project will enable Hollyhock to respond to changing visitor needs, strengthen year-round employment, and continue delivering programs that bring people together to learn, connect, and contribute to the wellbeing of coastal communities.”
For more information about the project, visit: https://islandcoastaltrust.ca/project/capital-innovation-program/visitor-accommodation-expansion-at-hollyhock/
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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
Sachia Kron
Communications Manager
Hollyhock Leadership Institute
sachia@hollyhock.ca
778-689-3496