Cortes Economic Development Commons
A development strategy for 2.6 acres of land within the heart of Cortes Island will address a lack of business and community gathering spaces, and create more opportunities for existing enterprises and start-ups.
Cortes Economic Development Commons. Image by Cortes Community Economic Development Association.
Overview
Cortes Island has long had a shortage of commercial space and community gathering spaces, resulting in business closures and lack of start-up opportunities. A recently completed Local Economic Plan has identified the development of community-owned commercial space as a fundamental step in supporting and helping to sustain local businesses.
The project is led by the Cortes Community Economic Development Association (CCEDA), a local non-profit, mandated as stewards of a 2.6 acre property at Mansons Landing. The goal is to make use of the land for commercial, food security and community gathering purposes, and apply a social enterprise model to its operations.
The first phase will include community engagement to refine demand and opportunity. The second phase will translate the community vision into a feasible concept design and related operational planning documents.
The CCEDA galvanized significant community engagement and support over the past two years, including with the Klahoose First Nations, the Community Foundation and several other non-profit organizations, to ensure the entire planning process puts the community at its centre.
Project Details
Project 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.