As the only publicly owned wharf and seaplane facility in the area, the Tahsis Marina Expansion project is critical for restoring the community’s marine infrastructure to grow tourism and strengthen community resiliency.
Village of Tahsis will lead a major initiative to restore and expand its marine transportation infrastructure. This project focuses on establishing a new 10-12 slip public marina, which is phase two of the three-phase initiative.
The village will construct a boat launch during phase one, before focusing on a large vessel and seaplane dock during phase three to complete the project.
This phase of the project is moving forward through an investment with Island Coastal Economic Trust. Through its Capital and Innovation Program, the Trust is contributing to the initiative for its focus on Transportation and Logistics.
The Tahsis Marina Gateway project responds to vital infrastructure needs for industries across Nootka Sound. It was highlighted as a priority in the 2020 Official Community Plan, with further support from the community and Mowachaht/Muchalaht First Nation.
Economic Prosperity: Both village of Tahsis and Mowachaht/Muchalaht First Nation are focused on developing eco-tourism opportunities across the region, along with providing essential support for existing businesses. The marina project is expected to empower three existing business to expand and encourage at least three new startups.
The village also estimates that 75-80% of project supplies will be obtained from local and regional businesses, strengthening local operations throughout the project.
Social Empowerment: The project will create several direct jobs, including five temporary construction opportunities and a seasonal marina operations position.
The village will also use the construction initiative as an opportunity to identify local individuals and companies that can advance their businesses and careers by contributing to future projects within Tahsis.
Cultural Vitality: Mowachaht/Muchalaht, Nuchatlaht, and Ehattesaht First Nations are the Nuu-chah-nulth-speaking tribes whose traditional territories included all of the area known today as Nootka Sound. The council of the Village of Tahsis is working hard to welcome these nations home, working towards an inclusive community vision.
Although a small contribution towards that goal, the project does include two dedicated slips for Mowachaht/Muchalaht First Nation members, free of charge, to help strengthen the connection between the communities.
The village will also commission a welcome sign, highlighting a respectful acknowledgement of the territory, history, culture and language of the Mowachaht/Muchalaht First Nation.
Climate Resiliency: The Tahsis Marina Gateway prioritizes climate resiliency, incorporating a design built to withstand projected sea-level rise to at least 2100. Construction will also use wildfire and general deterioration resilient materials.
Because Tahsis is only accessed by a single 60-km forest service road, the marina serves as an important component of the village’s emergency response and evacuation plan.
Jeff Bartlett
Communications and Impact Manager
Island Coastal Economic Trust
250-871-7797
jeff@islandcoastaltrust.ca
Mark Tatchell
CAO
Village of Tahsis
250-202-2916
MTachell@villageoftahsis.com
Island Coastal Economic Trust approved funding for this project in November 2024 through the Capital and Innovation program.
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.
