Kwiḵwa̱sut’inux̱w Haxwa’mis First Nation lead vital infrastructure project to enhance Ḵ̓wax̱wa̱lawadi, Echo Bay Marina, creating jobs and increasing visitation near Gwa’yas’dums.
Kwiḵwa̱sut’inux̱w Haxwa’mis First Nation, who purchased Ḵ̓wax̱wa̱lawadi – Echo Bay Marina and Lodge in 2020, have identified the dock revitalization project, marina, and its adjacent facilities as a priority strategic initiative.
As a vital moorage location, fuel dock, and service provider, the marina provides pivotal economic opportunity to the nation and its members.
This project investment focuses on revitalizing the dock infrastructure to spur business growth and new business development. The project is supported through the Island Coastal Trust’s Capital and Innovation program with its focus on Logistics and Transportation.
Through this dock revitalization project, Ḵ̓wax̱wa̱lawadi – Echo Bay Marina and Lodge will modernize vital transportation and logistics infrastructure in the Broughton Archipelago. The project prioritizes training and employment opportunities for Kwiḵwa̱sut’inux̱w Haxwa’mis First Nation members in their home territory.
Economic Prosperity: By modernizing its marina facilities, Ḵ̓wax̱wa̱lawadi – Echo Bay Marina will extend its operational season and attract more – and larger – vessels into its Broughton Islands location. The project aims to drive tourism back to per-pandemic levels, when up to 1500 boats and 5000 guests visited annually.
Along with the expected economic benefits within the Echo Bay Marina and Lodge facilities, the new initiative will spur expanding and new businesses across the archipelago.
Environmental Sustainability: The project prioritizes two environmental sustainability goals:
Social Empowerment: The project plan focuses on job creation, prioritizing hiring local Kwiḵwa̱sut’inux̱w Haxwa’mis First Nation and Mamalilikulla First Nation members who seek training and employment opportunities within their traditional territory. Since the peak season occurs during the summer months, the marina provides equitable jobs to youth and adult students. KHFN and Ḵ̓wax̱wa̱lawadi – Echo Bay Marina have an inclusive hiring policy that provides equal opportunities to youth, women, two-spirited and non-binary individuals.
Cultural Vitality: The initiative compliments existing cultural infrastructure, including the interpretive trail that Kwiḵwa̱sut’inux̱w Haxwa’mis First Nation and Island Coastal Trust partnered on in 2022. The trail is one of the only publicly available walking trails in the Broughton Islands and attracts day trippers from North Vancouver Island.
Jeff Bartlett
Communications and Impact Manager
Island Coastal Economic Trust
250-871-7797
jeff@islandcoastaltrust.ca
Island Coastal Economic Trust approved funding for this project in May 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.
