The District of Tofino, in collaboration with Island Health, is inviting community members to help inform the development of a Community Alcohol Strategy by completing a short survey.

A Community Alcohol Strategy is a community-informed framework that helps better understand how alcohol use impacts health, safety, and overall community well-being. The goal of this work is to identify practical opportunities to reduce alcohol-related harms while recognizing that alcohol is part of many social settings and community experiences.

Community input is an important part of this process, and perspectives from across the West Coast will help shape a strategy that reflects local experiences and priorities.

Why This Work Matters in Tofino

Tofino’s unique context, including seasonal tourism, a strong hospitality sector, limited health and emergency response resources, and close relationships with First Nations, means that alcohol use can affect the community in different ways.

Developing a Community Alcohol Strategy helps ensure that local approaches are grounded in public health evidence while reflecting the realities of life on the West Coast. This work also supports collaboration with local businesses, community organizations, neighbouring communities, and health partners to identify practical, balanced solutions.

Local and regional data further highlight the importance of this work:

• In the Alberni-Clayoquot region, residents consumed an average of 14.3 alcoholic drinks per week in 2024
• Substance use disorders in the region have increased by 40% over the past 15 years, largely driven by alcohol
• Alcohol-related hospital admissions among West Coast residents are significantly higher than the Island Health average
• The alcohol-related death rate in the region is higher than both Island Health and provincial averages

These indicators highlight the importance of developing a coordinated, community-informed approach that supports health, safety, and long-term community well-being.

 Take the Survey

Community members from all West Coast communities are invited to share their perspectives through a short survey, open from March 23 to April 23, 2026.

• The survey takes approximately 5 to 10 minutes to complete
• Responses will help shape a community-driven strategy
• All responses will be kept confidential and anonymized in reporting
• Participants will be entered into a draw to win a $100 prepaid credit card

To learn more and complete the survey, visit Talk Tofino.