We are on bsky islandcoastaltrust.bsky.social Join us there and stay updated on all things #ecdev on Vancouver Island, Gulf Islands & Sunshine Coast.

Get your calendars and book yourself into the Rural Islands Economic Partnership Virtual Form! Learn about the unique opportunities and challenges rural island communities face. Early Bird Tickets Launch February 1st. ruralislandspartnership.ca

The Local Food Infrastructure Fund - Large Scale Projects is open until Feb. 28. The fund aims to support locally-driven production-focused projects that strengthen community food security and access to local, nutritious foods. Learn more heyor.ca/5yZ5tQ

As we enter the third year of our 2023-2026 Strategic Plan, we are focused on advancing our four strategic goals If you're interested to learn more, our 2025-26 Strategic Plan update includes our goals, objectives, and results from the past two years: heyor.ca/pnM3dL

Early results from the Synergy Foundation-led Project Zero Accelerator project show the circular economy initiative is transforming businesses across the coast. See how Dog Mountain Brewing, in Port Alberni, integrated new practices into their operations: heyor.ca/0k8ymY

From behind the scenes of Hollywood productions to committed leaders actively building museums and bike racks to create a vibrant, connected community, our latest Stories From the Coast newsletter shares inspiring stories from across the region: heyor.ca/1WlOXu

Remembering Al Baronas. It is with deep sadness that we share the news of the passing of Al Baronas, the Trust’s first CEO, on Jan. 8th, 2025. Our thoughts are with Al’s family and friends. He will be deeply missed, but his contributions to our communities will always endure.

Our Capital and Innovation Program supports sustainable economic diversification and growth that strengthens wellbeing in coastal communities. Learn more heyor.ca/JEKvYc

Innovative Centre of Excellence initiative, led by Kwiakah First Nation, will drive economic growth and Indigenous stewardship, reestablishing Kwiakah Nation’s presence in Phillips Arm. Read more about this initiative: heyor.ca/EH2r5n

Transforming Governance: A Path to Partnership is an initiative, focusing on transforming the Trust into a model of co-governance and shared decision-making. Learn more heyor.ca/Vy248O To schedule an in-person or virtual meeting email [email protected]

🌳 Dig into the world of Mini Forests and learn how to create lush urban green spaces. Discover the global impact that mini forests have on biodiversity, air quality, and community well-being.🌿🌎 Sign up for free training through Green Communities Canada heyor.ca/QVh4L4

The fully restored Sheringham Point Lighthouse shines bright in the Netflix series Dead Boy Detectives. The final phase of restoration work was the first project we contributed to in the Capital Regional District. heyor.ca/961Hu7

The Coastal Economies App is a user-friendly app that helps residents, economic development officers, and local and First Nation governments to understand the impact of economic changes and industry transitions in their community. Try it today heyor.ca/RYH6me

Funding Opportunities: 🍃 Outdoor Recreation Fund of BC heyor.ca/4qwMbM 💞Participatory Grantmaking Initiative heyor.ca/pQSZPl 🫂Community Gaming Grants heyor.ca/9qsuec #funding #economicdevelopment #communitybuilding

🌿 Together the Village of Tahsis and Mowachaht Muchalaht First Nation are embracing eco-tourism, revitalizing Nootka and creating unique experiences for all. Learn about the partnership and the diverse opportunities Nootka has to offer heyor.ca/AQBfMO

Nexus Modular Solutions, in Cobble Hill, is the latest Project Zero success story shared by Synergy Foundation. The initiative, which benefited from a $50000 investment from the Trust, helps coastal businesses implement circular economy solutions: youtube.com/watch?v=XnyuFu…

Save the date! Feb 19 from 11-12pm British Columbia Economic Development Association - BCEDA is hosting a webinar on Local Workforce Data in partnership with Cityviz. Register heyor.ca/FodPjv

Join us as we welcome our first woman-majority Board of Directors! Jeraldine Marshall and Colleen Evans were appointed to the Trust’s board by the Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia. Learn more about this exciting update: heyor.ca/qPTyEQ

Please note our office is closed on Monday Feb. 17, we will be enjoying the extra day with our families.

We empower coastal communities to develop a resilient, diversified and inclusive economy. For our current socials, find us where the sky is 💙 @islandcoastaltrust.bsky.social bsky.app/profile/island…