This year, the District continued to strengthen its government-to-government relationship with Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation through renewed commitments, shared priorities, and tangible actions. This work reflects an ongoing effort to support a more collaborative, respectful, and transparent approach to decision-making.

Early in the year, partners signed an updated Memorandum of Understanding that reaffirms collective responsibility for stewardship, community well-being, and visitor management. The District also raised the Tla-o-qui-aht flag permanently at the Municipal Office, recognizing that Tofino is located on the unceded, traditional territory of the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation.

Council also supported renaming Mackenzie Beach to tinwis, which officially occurred in May. Additionally, on National Day for Truth & Reconciliation, the District and Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation signed an updated Protocol Agreement that strengthens cooperation across shared priorities.

These actions reflect a continued commitment to meaningful reconciliation and to working alongside Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation in the stewardship of the lands and waters that sustain the community.

In August, the District of Tofino became the first municipality in Canada to prohibit the retail sale of single-use plastic water bottles 1 litre and less. Council adopted the bylaw amendment on August 26, with the regulation taking effect on April 22, 2026, coinciding with Earth Day, to allow businesses time to prepare for the transition. This milestone builds on years of local leadership in reducing single-use plastics.

By expanding the original 2019 Single-Use Item Regulation Bylaw, the District is addressing one of the most common sources of shoreline and marine debris in the region. Plastic water bottles often break down into microplastics that harm ecosystems and wildlife. The amendment includes limited exemptions for emergency situations and packaged multiples.

The District will work with Surfrider Pacific Rim, Tourism Tofino, and the Tofino Chamber of Commerce on education and outreach throughout the winter and spring of 2026.

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In April, Tofino families saw a major improvement in local affordability when the Community Children’s Centre (and now the t̓aatn̓aʔałuk: Taking Care of Children Facility) was selected to join the Province’s $10 a Day ChildCareBC Program. This change provides meaningful financial relief for families and supports long-term stability for those living and working in the community.

Eligible families may also benefit from the Affordable Child Care Benefit, an income-tested program that can further reduce or eliminate monthly fees. These combined supports help make childcare more accessible and reliable, easing day-to-day financial pressures for parents.

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In November, the District transitioned childcare operations to the t̓aatn̓aʔałuk - Taking Care of Children facility, marking an important step in expanding access to licensed childcare in Tofino. The new site increases capacity from 18 spaces at the former Community Children’s Centre to up to 32 spaces for children aged 30 months to 5 years. With the additional space, the District is also exploring before and after-school care, pending staffing resources.

With the new facility in operation, the Community Children’s Centre has closed, allowing Island Health an opportunity to expand regional health services at the site.

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In November, the District, Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation, and Tourism Tofino completed a new Destination Stewardship Plan to help guide the long-term management of tourism in the community. The plan replaces the 2014 Tofino Tourism Master Plan and is intended to protect community well-being, celebrate culture, and care for the lands and waters that sustain Tofino.

The document was shaped by input from residents, businesses, and industry partners through surveys, open houses, workshops, and conversations. The final plan provides clear direction for how local partners will work together to support a balanced and sustainable approach to tourism centred around three concepts:

1. We Want an Abundant Future: A deep respect for all living things is the foundation that enables all of načiqs | Tofino to flourish.
2. Respect: All People | History | Culture | Community | The Planet | Equitable | Prosperity | Local Environment.
3. Our Responsibility: Tourism’s role is to foster respect and connection so that guests leave ̓načiqs | Tofino better than when they arrived.

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In May, the District completed the replacement of the aging Tonquin Trail bridge. The former timber structure was upgraded to a modern steel-framed bridge that provides safe, year-round access connecting the north and south sections of the trail, strengthening the trail's long-term sustainability.

This improvement also removes long-standing limitations that prevented maintenance equipment from reaching the southern section of the trail. With the new bridge in place, the District can now carry out important remediation and maintenance work that supports ongoing safety and accessibility, as well as future improvements to the trail.

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This year, the District and School District 70 completed significant upgrades to the Wickaninnish Community School sports fields, which are now open and ready for use. This joint project reflects a shared commitment to providing safe, versatile, and enjoyable spaces for recreation, supporting both school programs and the broader community.

The upgrades include expanded field space, two new ball diamonds with modern dugouts, new perimeter fencing for safety, and improved field levelling to create a smoother playing surface. These enhancements will support a wider range of activities and provide more reliable access for youth and community sports.

This project was supported by the Growing Communities Fund, the Pay Parking Reserve Fund, and a land contribution from School District 70.

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