On Tuesday, January 20, 2026, Mayor and Council welcomed the Honourable Anne Kang, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, and Sport, to Tofino for a working meeting focused on advocacy, collaboration, and long-term community well-being.

Recognizing Tourism’s Role in Community and Provincial Success

During the meeting, Council highlighted the significant economic contribution tourism brings to Tofino and to British Columbia as a whole. Tourism continues to play a vital role in supporting local employment, small businesses, and regional economic resilience, while also contributing meaningfully to provincial revenues.

Council emphasized that, when managed thoughtfully, tourism can become a part of a broader framework that strengthens communities by fostering abundance while actively caring for and improving its impacts on the natural, cultural, and social fabric of the region.

Reinvesting Tourism Revenues Into Local Infrastructure

Council shared various examples of how tourism-related funding has delivered tangible benefits for residents and visitors alike. This included the use of the Municipal and Regional District Tax (MRDT), which has supported critical infrastructure projects such as the Wastewater Treatment Plant and affordable residential housing developments through the Tofino Housing Corporation.

The meeting also highlighted the Resort Municipality Initiative (RMI), which has helped advance a wide range of community projects. These investments have supported trail development, the Multi-Use Path, public washroom facilities, and other essential amenities that enhance both livability and visitor experience.

Continuing to Address Long-Standing Community Needs

While tourism has already contributed significantly to local infrastructure and (including revenues generated through the pay parking program), Council noted that continued advocacy remains essential to sustaining a healthy and livable community. Several priority areas have long been identified as requiring further investment and support.

These include improvements to healthcare services, recreation facilities, and securing an additional water source. Council emphasized that a secure and resilient water supply is critical to ensuring Tofino can welcome visitors year-round without risking water shortages and to meeting the everyday needs of residents.

Tourism as a Tool to Improve Quality of Life

Council reinforced that tourism, when leveraged responsibly, has the potential to improve quality of life for all demographics in the community. Investments supported by tourism revenues help build infrastructure, enhance public spaces, and strengthen services that residents rely on daily.

Mayor and Council affirmed that advocacy on these priorities will continue with the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport and other appropriate provincial ministries. The District remains committed to working collaboratively with the Province of British Columbia to ensure tourism continues to benefit the entire community, now and into the future.