Mayor’s Report

During the Mayor’s Report, Mayor Dan Law announced that he will not seek re-election in the upcoming 2026 General Local Election.

2026 General Local Election: Deputy Chief Election Officer

Council appointed Elizabeth Yuhasz as Deputy Chief Election Officer for the District of Tofino’s 2026 General Local Election. The appointment supports the administration of the upcoming municipal election.

Special Event Permit: Justin Martin Show Fundraising Party

Council authorized a Special Event Permit for the Justin Martin Show Fundraising Party at the Tofino Community Hall on December 12, 2026.

Source Water Assessment

Council formally endorsed the Ahkmahksis Reservoir Expansion as Tofino’s preferred near- to medium-term water supply option, following the recommendation from the August 18, 2026, Committee of the Whole meeting. Over the past four years, the District has strengthened its water system through enhanced planning, monitoring, and operational improvements, resulting in greater reliability and resilience during low-flow and drought conditions. As a result, staff had the data, system experience, and technical foundation needed to recommend this option. Expanding the reservoir was identified as the most practical, affordable, and technically feasible near-term approach to increasing raw-water storage and improving drought resilience. Council also supported continued engagement with Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation and further project planning to help position the District for a senior government funding application in 2027.

Talk Tofino: More Information(opens in new tab)

Recreation & Parks Master Plan

Council formally endorsed the Recreation and Parks Master Plan. The plan will guide recreation, parks, trails, facilities, programming, and related investment over the next 10 or more years, while individual projects and funding decisions will continue to come forward through future strategic and financial planning processes.

Opitsaht Basketball Court Funding Request

Council received a request from Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation seeking $250,000 from District pay parking reserve funding to help construct a roof over the basketball court in Opitsaht. The request highlighted the potential for parking revenues to directly support recreation and community well-being for Tla-o-qui-aht members.

Council referred the request to staff for further review. Staff will report back to Council with additional information about the proposal and potential funding options before Council makes a decision on the request.

2027–2032 Municipal and Regional District Tax Renewal

Council gave first, second, and third readings to the bylaw required to renew Tofino’s 3% Municipal and Regional District Tax (MRDT) for another five-year term beginning June 1, 2027. Council also authorized staff to submit the renewal application to the Province.

The renewal would continue to use MRDT to support tourism programs and destination management through Tourism Tofino, while revenue collected through online accommodation platforms would support affordable housing through the Tofino Housing Corporation. It would also continue directing up to $400,000 per year toward debt payments for the Wastewater Treatment Plant, helping reduce the amount that would otherwise need to be supported through local taxation.

Council Remuneration Amendment

Council gave first, second, and third readings to an amendment bylaw proposing to update honorariums paid to Council members for certain duties outside regular Council responsibilities. The changes follow recommendations from the independent Council Remuneration Advisory Group.

Official Community Plan Amendment: 740 Campbell Street

Council gave third reading to the Official Community Plan amendment bylaw for the District-owned property at 740 Campbell Street. The amendment proposes changing the property’s land use designation from Peninsula to Future Homes. Council also directed that the summary of comments received during the August 11, 2026, Public Hearing be maintained as part of the public record.

Council’s third reading of the OCP amendment does not approve any specific development for the property. A related zoning amendment is still required to establish what development would be permitted on the site, and that process will return to Council for consideration at a future meeting.

More Information: Talk Tofino(opens in new tab)

Business Licence Regulation Amendment Bylaw

Council gave first, second, and third readings to an amendment bylaw that better aligns Tofino’s business licence regulations with provincial short-term rental regulations.

Under the current bylaw, some operators can avoid District short-term rental requirements by setting a minimum stay of 31 days or longer, even when the property continues to be used as temporary tourist accommodation. The difference between Tofino’s 30-day definition and the Province’s 90-day definition has also limited provincial enforcement support.

The amendment proposes to align Tofino’s regulations with the Province’s 90-day definition, providing clearer rules and strengthening the District’s ability to address non-compliant short-term rentals.

Housing Agreement: 691 Campbell Street

Council adopted the Housing Agreement Bylaw for the proposed 11-unit rental development at 691 Campbell Street. The agreement secures two units as affordable rental housing in perpetuity, while the remaining nine units may be rented at market rates.

Adoption allows the District to enter into the Housing Agreement with the property owner and secure its requirements on the property title.

Bylaw Ticket Dispute Adjudication System

Council adopted a bylaw amendment renewing Tofino’s participation in a shared system for resolving disputed bylaw tickets. The agreement allows Tofino and other participating local governments to share adjudication services and costs rather than each maintaining a separate dispute process.

ƛułst̓ał Friendship Accord with Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation

Council endorsed the ƛułst̓ał Friendship Accord between the District of Tofino and Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation. The Accord establishes an overarching framework for the relationship between the two governments, grounded in friendship, trust, respect, honesty, collaboration, and shared responsibilities for people and the lands, waters, and sky.

The Accord is intended to guide how the District and Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation work together, including how the governments approach challenging conversations, pursue shared opportunities, and build future agreements and initiatives. It also recognizes that the relationship will continue to grow and evolve with future generations of leaders.