Discovery Islands Chamber of Commerce will engage an expert facilitator to enhance local economic capacity through an economic diversification plan that identifies new growth sectors and market opportunities.
Discovery Islands Chamber of Commerce will establish an Economic Diversification and Development Plan for Quadra Island. The project aims to create a resilient community by identifying current assets, completing demographic research and sector analysis to identify new opportunities.
By adopting an inclusive approach, the project will prioritize collaboration with the We Wai Kai Nation, Quadra Island Foundation, community members, partners, rights-holders, and key stakeholders.
Island Coastal Economic Trust is investing with Discovery Islands Chamber of Commerce through the Investment Readiness Program, which includes an economic strategy stream for First Nation, local government, and rural unincorporated communities under 5000 residents that have not previously developed an economic strategy in the past 10 years.
By fostering collaboration and community support, this initiative aims to enhance the overall economic health of the region and unlock the potential for significant private and public investment.
Economic Prosperity: Strong partnerships will form the foundation of this successful economic development plan, with meaningful engagement sessions planned with the We Wai Kai First Nation, Quadra Island Foundation, and public consultations. This process will involve multiple perspectives to established shared goals and priorities.
Social Empowerment: Project leadership is committed to social empowerment initiatives, including prioritizing local suppliers, engaging stakeholders to identify local skills and resources, and building local capacity through training and mentorship.
The project will directly create one part-time job, estimated for up to 25 hrs/wk for nine months.
Cultural Vitality: By enhancing opportunities for cultural expression and economic engagement, the plan will enrich the community’s identity and resilience. The inclusive consultations process aims to integrate local Indigenous traditions and practices into economic initiative.
From supporting local artisans to promoting cultural tourism opportunities, the plan will celebrate and preserve Quadra Island’s unique history. Workshops are planned to foster intergenerational connection sand encourage traditional knowledge exchange.
Climate Resiliency: The plan will address climate resiliency by encouraging low-carbon infrastructure, retrofitting existing buildings, and promoting circular economy initiatives.
Jeff Bartlett
Communications and Impact Manager
Island Coastal Economic Trust
jeff@islandcoastaltrust.ca
250-871-7797
Carol Ann Terreberry
President
Discovery Islands Chamber of Commerce
250-287-6366
carolannt@telus.net
Island Coastal Economic Trust approved funding for this project in November 2024 through the Investment Readiness 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.
