In response to industrial curtailment, the remote village of Port Alice created an economic development strategy to support diversification in the local economy. Increasing awareness and marketing of Port Alice as a visitor destination, especially for visitors already on the North Island, was identified as a clear opportunity for growth. With no presence or wayfinding at the highway junction, the community was missing out on “low hanging” visitor attraction opportunities.
Moving the strategy into action, Quick Start funding helped establish two signs at the junction of Highway 19 and Highway 30 – encouraging motorists to turn off onto the scenic drive to Port Alice as they travel the main North Island highway. The new signs incorporated a refreshed municipal logo on attractive wood finished, cedar post signs inviting travelers to the ‘Gateway to the Wild West Coast.’
Completed in 2016, the updated signs have increased the profile of Port Alice drawing more tourism activity into the community. The project was an important first step creating strategic momentum for Port Alice tourism development, and enhancing the community’s viability as a visitor destination.
Island Coastal Economic Trust approved funding for this project in 2015 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.