Matsquiaht Property is the premier tourism asset of the Ahousaht Nation, a prime beachfront location approximately 10 minutes by water taxi from Tofino.
Access to Matsquiaht Property on Meares Island, in Clayoquot Sound, is by boat only. Due to the poor condition of the dock, Ahousaht water taxis were routinely damaged when they hit the dock (especially during storm conditions which interrupted service and created risk for visitors and staff). This is also the only barge landing site on Meares Island, and therefore the only access point for vehicles and other heavier equipment.
This project resulted in the replacement of an unsafe dock and breakwater at the Matsquiaht Property. It also provided upgraded protection for the barge landing site immediately adjacent.
The upgraded dock and new barge landing site are critical investments needed to realize the Ahousaht tourism social enterprise and community and cultural aspirations for the Matsquiaht Property.
Ahousaht members can now safely use the dock to access Matsquiaht for cultural programs, which are offered during the off season at the hostel.
Island Coastal Economic Trust approved funding for this project in 2020 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.
