Project Title:

Development of SȾÁUTW̱ Tourism Infrastructure

Project Organization:

SȾÁUTW̱ (Tsawout) First Nation

Project Investment:

  • Island Coastal Economic Trust: $200,000
  • Total Budget: $1,124,748

Project Highlight:

SȾÁUTW̱ First Nation is developing a Nation-owned walk-in campground in Fulford Harbour on Salt Spring Island that will provide new nature-based tourism accommodations while supporting long-term economic self-determination and stewardship of culturally significant lands.

Phase 1 of the project will establish 60 rustic campsites, composting sanitation infrastructure, internal access improvements, and a staffed entrance kiosk. Designed as a low-impact tourism destination, the campground will help address growing seasonal demand for camping accommodations on Salt Spring Island while protecting the ecological and cultural integrity of the site.

The project creates a Nation-owned, revenue-generating asset that supports employment, land stewardship, and long-term regional benefits. A phased development approach will allow the campground to open at a manageable scale and expand over time in response to demand and operational capacity.

For SȾÁUTW̱ First Nation, the project represents an important step toward long-term economic resilience and self-determination through ownership of a community-based tourism enterprise. The project will also create opportunities for cultural sharing, education, and land-based learning for both visitors and community members.

The Trust is investing in this project through the Capital and Innovation funding program under the Cultural and Nature-Based Tourism priority area.

Wellbeing Impact

The Trust invests in projects using a Wellbeing Impact Framework that looks beyond traditional economic metrics. This approach evaluates how each investment strengthens economic prosperity, cultural vitality, climate resilience, and social empowerment. By focusing on outcomes that matter to people and place, the Trust works to spur new investments that create meaningful, lasting benefits across Vancouver Island and the coast.

The project will expand tourism accommodation options on Salt Spring Island while creating local employment and supporting sustainable visitor experiences connected to the natural environment.

Economic Prosperity 

This project strengthens the local economy by enabling:

  • Attracting $1,124,750 in new investment to Saltspring Island from diverse sources including the Indigenous financing, the provincial government and Island Coastal Trust
  • The start-up of one new tourism business
  • Six new partnerships connected to tourism development and project implementation
  • A revenue-generating asset owned by the SȾÁUTW̱ First Nation

Social Empowerment

The project supports social empowerment through:

  • Creation of two permanent part-time jobs
  • Creation of two seasonal jobs
  • Creation of five temporary construction jobs
  • Prioritizing employment and training opportunities for Indigenous people

Climate Resiliency

The project contributes to climate resiliency by:

  • Developing low-impact, nature-based tourism infrastructure
  • Prioritizing land stewardship and responsible design

Cultural Vitality

The project contributes to climate resiliency by:

  • Incorporating interpretive signage sharing SȾÁUTW̱ history and culture
  • Creating opportunities for Elders to share land-based knowledge, language, and teachings