Expanded campground facilities and cabin rentals will boost tourism revenues for the Nanoose Economic Development Corporation, benefiting the Snaw-Naw-as First Nation Community.
Nanoose Economic Development Corporation (NEDC), wholly owned by the Snaw-Naw-as First Nation, are completing a major redevelopment project at the Snaw-Naw-as Campground. The initiative will add 5 year-round cabins and 16 full-service campsites, along with the required road and parking infrastructure required to support the expansion.
The project is supported through the Island Coastal Economic Trust’s Capital and Innovation Program with its focus on Culture and Nature Based Tourism.
Community Wellbeing:
NEDC have managed the campground since 2017, operating with a mandate to support indigenous tourism opportunities. This project phase continues a three-phase redevelopment initiative that began in 2022, further benefiting both the development corporation and the community.
Economic Prosperity: The addition of year-round cabins will significantly boost revenues by extending the season into a year-round opportunity and attracting a higher nightly rental fee. Adding 16 additional campsites increase revenue.
The expansion project will also support community-owned businesses, including the nearby Snaw-Naw-as Market and local home-based businesses within the community. NEDC also hopes the continued success of the campground will lead to spin-off tourism-focused startups including kayak and paddle sport rentals, and food trucks.
Social Empowerment: By expanding the campground into a year-round operation, NEDC estimates up to 5.7 FTE positions, prioritizing Snaw-Naw-as First Nation members, will be created in a variety of roles.
Cultural Vitality: Snaw-Naw-as First Nation and NEDC plain to add cultural programming during the summer months. The campground will host storytelling sessions, cultural programs, and displays of locally created art and food. This will not only enhance visitor experiences, but also serve as a catalyst for Nation members to share and celebrate their culture.
Interpretive signage will also be added to educate guests about landscape features, naturally occurring plants, and the cultural significance of the area.
Media Contacts
Jeff Bartlett
Communications and Impact Manager
Island Coastal Economic Trust
236-308-1570
jeff@islandcoastaltrust.ca
Kim Burden
CEO
Nanoose Economic Development Corporation
250-951-6420
kim@nanoose-edc.com
Island Coastal Economic Trust approved funding for this project in 2024 through the Capital and Innovation program.
We work in reciprocal relationships with coastal communities across the ancestral territories of the Kwak̓wala, Nuučaan̓uɫ, Éy7á7juuthem, Ligwilda'xw, Pəntl'áč, She shashishalhem, Sḵwx̱wú7mesh, Hul’q’umi’num’, diitiidʔaatx̣, SENĆOŦEN, Lekwungen, and T’Sou-ke speaking peoples.
