On Thursday, July 9, 2026, representatives from the District of Tofino, Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation, Tourism Tofino, and the Tofino Chamber of Commerce met in Tofino with the Honourable Brittny Anderson, Minister of State for Local Governments and Rural Communities, and the Honourable Josie Osborne, MLA for Mid Island-Pacific Rim and Minister of Health.

The meeting continued ongoing advocacy between the four organizations and the Province of British Columbia. It built on previous meetings held in the past year with provincial ministers, including Minister Osborne and the Honourable Anne Kang, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport.

Working Together on Shared Regional Priorities

The meeting reflected the importance of continued collaboration between local government, First Nations, tourism partners, and business leaders to address long-standing challenges that affect residents, visitors, the regional economy, and the lands and waters that support the community.

The four organizations shared aligned priorities and spoke about the need for stronger provincial support for infrastructure, community resilience, and financial tools that better reflect the significant role Tofino plays in B.C.’s tourism economy.

Addressing Tofino’s Water Supply Challenges

A key focus of the meeting was Tofino’s long-term water supply. The organizations emphasized that Tofino cannot support future community or tourism growth without an expanded and more resilient water source.

Tofino’s current water supply challenges affect housing, local businesses, visitor services, infrastructure planning, and the long-term well-being of the community. As B.C. works to grow its tourism economy, communities like Tofino & Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation need the infrastructure required to support that growth responsibly.

The Province of British Columbia’s Look West: Tourism Sector Action Plan sets a target to double tourism revenue to $48 billion by 2036. The plan focuses on attracting high-value international travellers, supporting year-round visitation, and strengthening B.C.’s position as a global tourism destination.

As one of B.C.’s most recognized tourism destinations, Tofino contributes meaningfully to the provincial tourism economy. However, without an expanded water source, the community cannot continue to grow in a way that supports residents, Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation, visitors, local businesses, and provincial tourism goals.

This meeting provided an important opportunity to continue building provincial awareness of this issue and the need for senior government support.

Reinvesting Tourism Revenues into the Region

The meeting also focused on how tourism revenues are generated, collected, and reinvested.

Tourism activity in Tofino provides significant benefits to the provincial and federal governments through taxation. However, the organizations emphasized that a disproportionate amount of that benefit does not return directly to the community and region where the impacts are experienced.

The District of Tofino, Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation, Tourism Tofino, and the Tofino Chamber of Commerce continue to advocate for improved financial tools that collect and distribute tourism-related revenues back into the region.

These tools could support local infrastructure, community services, stewardship, and other priorities essential to maintaining a healthy, welcoming, and resilient destination.

Continuing Advocacy with the Province

Ongoing advocacy will remain vital as the four organizations continue to build relationships and awareness across provincial ministries.

The District of Tofino, Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation, Tourism Tofino, and the Tofino Chamber of Commerce remain committed to working collaboratively with the Province of British Columbia on shared priorities, including water infrastructure, tourism reinvestment, regional resilience, and long-term community well-being.