Island Coastal Economic Trust’s 2024-2025 Impact Report showcases exceptional outcomes that are based on nearly two decades of experience investing in economic development in coastal communities.
K’ómoks Territory, Courtenay, British Columbia, August 7, 2025 – Since its founding in 2006, Island Coastal Economic Trust (the “Trust”) has delivered outstanding results with rural and remote communities, businesses, and non-profits across Vancouver Island, the Sunshine Coast, and islands and inlets from the Salish Sea to Cape Caution (its service area).
Its latest Impact Report illustrates the continuing importance of the Trust’s role in bringing leadership together to strategically invest in economic development, job creation, community resilience, and wellbeing of people in the more than 100 communities the Trust serves.
The Trust’s 2023—2026 Strategic Plan prioritizes the following key goals:
- Transforming the Trust into a permanent, co-governed regional development organization for coastal communities; and
- Empowering communities and partners to build an increasingly inclusive, productive, adaptive, and resilient coastal economy.
The Trust is well and truly delivering on these goals:
- On July 11 2025, the Trust unanimously endorsed the First Nations Strategic Recommendations Report by Sa̱nala Planning. The report reflects consensus among more than 30 First Nations on co-governance of the Trust and supports permanent investment by the Government of British Columbia in the Trust. The Trust has committed to acting on all of the recommendations in the report, principally by bringing the First Nations governments, local governments, and the Government of British Columbia together to begin the process of its transformation.
- The Trust introduced its Wellbeing Impact Framework last year that quantifies the return-on-investment from Trust project investments across four bottom lines: economic prosperity, social empowerment, climate resilience, and cultural vitality. Altogether the Trust is now reporting out on 75 distinct outcomes, capturing the scalable, measurable public impact of its project investments.
- The Trust invested $2.4 million to realize $26 million in major projects, new construction, and regional collaboration, all driving growth, productivity, and diversification across the region.
- These new investments are realizing the start-up and expansion of 110 businesses and social enterprises, the creation of 146 partnerships, and the creation of 303 new jobs in the region. 76% of projects invested in were Indigenous-led or partnered and $20 million was invested in adaptable, low-carbon infrastructure.
- 40 cultural outcomes are supporting Indigenous Elders and Knowledge Holders in passing their knowledge and skills to youth.
- As part of the Trust’s commitment to a transformational future, it formed a collaboration of Indigenous and non-Indigenous artists and designers to create a new visual identity for the Trust. The five-paddle logo intersperses Kwakwaka’wakw, Nuu-chah-nulth, and Coast Salish paddles with western-style paddles, representing the collaboration of all communities working and moving forward together.
“We are at a point in time that is filled with promise for the shared future of coastal communities, our economy, and the Trust,” says Trust Chair Michelle Staples, Mayor of Duncan. “We are mindful of the social and economic challenges facing the people, businesses, and communities we serve in a time of geopolitical instability and the uncertainty that brings with it but we have been through challenges like this before. The Trust has advanced long-term, sustained economic diversification across coastal communities since its founding in 2006. We are well-positioned to bring our experience and leadership together to respond proactively and collaboratively.”
“Empowering leadership across our region to build a resilient coastal economy that supports the wellbeing of all people, and the environment, is vital now more than ever,” says Trust CEO Brodie Guy. “The incredible project and investment results we’ve achieved this past year will scale significantly as we bring the region’s leadership together in their envisioned strategic economic decision-making framework that leverages and modernizes the Trust into the new future we create together.”
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 $370 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 Contact
Kyle Wells
Communications & Impact Manager
Island Coastal Economic Trust
250-871-7797
kyle@islandcoastaltrust.ca
