Duncan Mayor Michelle Staples will chair the organization as it continues community engagement on the future of the Trust
K’ómoks Territory, Courtenay, B.C, November 7, 2024 — The board of directors of Island Coastal Economic Trust is pleased to announce it has appointed Michelle Staples as Chair.
Staples has served on the Trust’s board since 2018, when she was first elected Mayor of the City of Duncan. Currently serving her second term as mayor, Staples steps into the role at a pivotal time. Earlier this year, the Trust advanced its strategic goal to become the first permanently capitalized, co-governed, regional development organization in Canada. In August, the board announced Sanala Planning, an Indigenous-owned planning company, would lead engagements with First Nations across the region about the future of the Trust.
“Coming into the role as Chair of the Island Coastal Economic Trust is both an honour and an exciting challenge,” says Staples. “We’re committed to deepening our partnerships with First Nations, local governments, and community leaders. Our goal is clear: to continue to invest in strategies that reflect the diverse needs of our regions, from busy ports to remote villages. We’re not just continuing a legacy; we’re adapting to meet the evolving needs of our communities as we move into the future.”
“Our team is fortunate to be working for such a deeply committed board of community and business leaders who have an inspiring vision to transform the Trust into a permanently capitalized, co-governed regional development organization,” says Brodie Guy, CEO, Island Coastal Economic Trust. “As our new Chair, Mayor Staples brings an inclusive leadership approach along with strong trust-based relationships across the coast and with the provincial government. I’m excited about what we’ll be working to achieve together for the communities we serve.”
Staples is dedicated to advancing climate policy and co-governance with First Nations. She was appointed to the BC Climate Solutions Council, which provides advice to government on actions and policies contributing to emission reductions and sustainable economic development. She also serves the Cowichan Watershed Board, an organization employing a Co-Chair model with Cowichan Tribes and the Cowichan Valley Regional District collaborating to build strong partnerships and a deep commitment towards reconciliation.
Along with Staples’ appointment as Chair, the board of directors also re-elected Sayaač̓atḥ John Jack (Chief Councillor, Huu-ay-aht First Nations; Chair, Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District) and Megan Hanacek (CEO, Private Forest Landowners Association) as Secretary-Treasurer. John and Megan join the Chair, CEO, and CFO who each serve as the officers of the Trust.
Recognizing Past Chair Aaron Stone for His Commitment and Dedication
Mayor Michelle Staples succeeds Aaron Stone as Chair, following his recent retirement as Mayor, Town of Ladysmith and Chair, Cowichan Valley Regional District, to join the South Island Prosperity Partnership as their CEO. Upon leaving political office, he completed his term on the Trust’s board of directors.
“We have an incredible board of directors,” said Staples, “and we have all benefited from the past 4 years of Chair Aaron Stone’s leadership driving our Trust towards innovative solutions for coastal communities.”
Stone served the Trust’s board of directors since 2015, including two years as Vice Chair (2018-2020) and four years as Chair (2020-2024). During his long-serving tenure as Chair, the board of directors continued its mission to strategically invest in inclusive economic development, diversification, and innovation in partnership with communities across the region, including:
- $10.7 million total funding invested in community-led projects
- 191 approved projects led by First Nations, local governments, and non-profits
- Expansion of the Trust’s region to include the Capital Regional District electoral areas of Juan de Fuca, Salt Spring Island, and the Southern Gulf Islands.
Stone served in a vital leadership capacity, representing island and coastal communities in discussions with the Province of British Columbia focused on permanent recapitalization of the Trust. These efforts led to a $10 million contribution by the Province of British Columbia in early 2024 that is enabling the Trust and region to work towards permanent capitalization and legislative changes enabling co-governance of the Trust by First Nations and local governments.
To learn more about island and coastal communities’ vision for transformation of the Trust, and current dialogue and engagement with First Nations, read our recent news release here.
Media Contacts:
Brodie Guy
CEO
Island Coastal Economic Trust
brodie@islandcoastaltrust.ca
250-871-7797
Jeff Bartlett
Communications and Impact Manager
Island Coastal Economic Trust
jeff@islandcoastaltrust.ca
250-871-7797
