Resort Municipal Initiative

Transcription

1 Resort Municipal Initiative Annual Report 2010 Submitted by: Prepared by: District of Tofino Tourism Tofino

2 District of Tofino Resort Municipality Initiative Annual Report REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE STATEMENT 2 2. FIVE YEAR EXPENDITURE PLAN 3 3. OUTCOMES REPORTING GENERAL TOURISM CONTEXT FOR LEADING UP TO REGIONAL AND LOCAL TOURISM CONTEXT COMMON REPORTING Economic Outcomes Visitor Experience Outcomes Community Outcomes Supporting Tourism Development RMI PROJECTS, PROGRAMS EVENTS OUTCOME REPORTING 19 RMI Project 1: Construction of Lighthouse Trail 19 RMI Project 2: Construction of Multi Use Path 4. CONCLUSION AND OUTLOOK 21

3 1. Revenue and Expenditure Statement Revenue and Expenditure Statement District of Tofino Resort Municipality Annual Revenue and Expenditure Report For the year ended December 31, 2010 Budget $ 2010 Actual $ 2010 Actual $2009 Balance At Beginning of Year 897, , ,968 Revenues: Provincial Government Tax Transfer 631, , ,700 Transfers from Other Funds Investment Income 7,739 7,739 4,166 Total Revenue $ 638,959 $ 587,618 $ 583,866 Expenditures: Capital Expenditures 925, ,958 - Operations Total Expenditures $ 925,000 $ 121,958 $ - Net Revenue (Expenditure) -286, , ,866 Balance at End of Year $ 611,009 $ 1,362,710 $ 901,834

4 2. Five Year Expenditure Plan Tofino Five-Year Expenditure Plan Resort Municipality Hotel Tax Transfer Program Year 2008 (START YEAR) Actual 2009 Actual 2010 Actual (END YEAR) TOTAL Application of Funds - Capital 1. Light House Trail 0 53, , , Multi-Use Path 0 63, , , , Mountain Bike Path and Trails ,000 40,000 80, Beach Access and Infrastructure , , Downtown Revitalization ,000 50, , Civic Centre and Museum 0 5, , ,000 1,210, Municipal Campground 0 260, , , Ahkmahksis Water Reservoir 200, Total Capital 200, ,958 1,050,000 1,325,000 2,496,958 TOTALS 200, ,958 1,050,000 1,325,000 2,496,958 Notes Source of Funds TOTAL Notes 1. Municipal Operating Capital Borrowing Sub-Total Municipal 2. Federal/Provincial Transfers Resort Mun HRT Transfer 561, , , , ,000 3,121, Other ,284 25,068 2&3 TOTALS 564, , , , ,000 $3,146,554 Note 1: Actual RMI spent was $121, Note 2: Government of BC Job Creation Grant for Lighthouse Trail ($10,545 is the portion spent in Total grant receivable is $30,780) Note 3: Includes investment income Resort Municipal Initiative2010 District of Tofino - 3

5 3. Outcomes Reporting 3.1. General Tourism Context for leading up to 2010 The following section provides some recent economic context for the tourism industry in British Columbia and the Resort Communities. The significant influences on tourism and possible influence on the resort community s economies are reported by year and summarized. The following section provides a summary of the recent economic context for the tourism industry in British Columbia and the Resort Communities. The significant influences on tourism and possible influence on the resort community s economies are reported by year and summarized. All changes are basedon year to year results unless noted otherwise Tourism Influences In general terms, 2007 was still a robust year for tourism in British Columbia. Although US overnight entries continued their declines losing 4.1% in 2007, provincial occupancy levels reached an 11 year high at 67% and room rates advanced 5.9% over 2006 levels. This growth was fuelled by domestic travel and by increased overseas entries (+3.3%). These provincial results in general, should have created a more fruitful environment for the tourism economies in the resort communities Tourism Influences The end of 2008 marked the beginning of the global economic crisis which persists to this day. The financial sector crisis and associated housing crisis in the US spread to the rest of the economy in the US, Canada and overseas. The second half of 2008 saw this economic contraction began hitting virtually every sector of the economy some such as the auto sector were hit harder than others. Declining consumer confidence resulted and along with this a decline in discretionary spending including overnight travel. Growth in room revenue in British Columbia was the weakest since 2003 an increase of only 0.6%. Hotel occupancy rates declined slightly in Visitor entries declined for 7th time in 8 years with US entries down 17% from 1995 levels. Entries from overseas were down slightly in 2008 from 2007 declines from Japan were offset in part by increases from China and South Korea. In general, in addition to the global economic downturn, delays at the border, rising gas prices, exchange rates are influencing factors affecting 2008 tourism returns. This environment in 2008 likely impacted the entire tourism sector in the Province placing downward pressure on tourism results in the Resort Communities Tourism Influences In 2009, the context for the tourism industry in British Columbia worsened further still from Canada itself entered the worldwide recession officially in the last quarter of 2008 thereby influencing domestic travel patterns. Entries from the US and overseas both declined with US overnight entries down 5.9%; overseas entries down 13.9%. Room revenues took a huge hit in 2009 showing an 11.7% decline. The impact of the worldwide economic recession was exacerbated by fears related to the H1N1 pandemic that further reduced overnight travel. This environment in 2009 likely impacted the entire tourism sector in the Province and for the second straight year placing significant downward pressure on results in the Resort Communities Tourism Influences In 2010, the context for the tourism industry in British Columbia finally began to stabilize as overnight travel to Canada from the US increased by 0.7% and overseas by 6.8% compared to 2009, when both markets were significantly down. Same day travel from the US still continued to decline however due to high exchange rates and fuel costs, which reduced US visits by 1.5%. Overnight and day US visits to British Columbia increased by 2% in 2010, and total overnight visits of all visitors increased by 4%. The months of February and March stand out likely due to the Olympics with the most growth compared to 2009 at roughly 10% for each month. This growth however may have only positively impacted communities close to Vancouver and Whistler for the 2010 reporting year. Resort Municipal Initiative2010 District of Tofino - 4

6 Spending in Canada increased 4.2% in real terms following a 2.2% decline in International spending was up by 1.9%, boosted by a strong first quarter performance related to the 2010 Winter Olympics and Paralympics which would have impacted British Columbia directly. Spending by Canadians at home also increased in Room revenue as estimated by BC Stats showed 12.1% increase to November 2010.Occupancy rates in BC were up slightly by 1.4% for 2010, with most the growth in revenue coming from the Vancouver Coast Mountain Region, followed by the Thompson Okanogan. General economic trends showing a slow recovery from the 2008 recession were flat through 2010, not boosting the likely hood of travel, but also not weakening it. This trend is in contrast to 2008 and 2009 where economic conditions were not very conducive to tourism growth. Canada s high dollar also played a significant role in reducing Canada s price competitiveness compared to other destinations and likely tempered the growth somewhat. This slightly improved tourism environment in 2010 likely impacted the entire tourism sector in the Province placing slightly mixed pressure on tourism results in the Resort Communities. Summary Tourism of Influences During the timeframe in which resort communities have been participating in the Resort Municipalities Initiative, the context for the tourism industry has been particularly volatile and provincial, national and global tourism statistics reflected declines in overnight entries, occupancy levels and room revenues beginning in 2008 and escalating in 2009.In 2010, multiple years of declines look to have stabilized somewhat, with very modest growth overall which was likely attributable to the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver. The primary tourism influences challenging the tourism economy during can be summarized as: Global financial/housing crisis leading to overall global economic downturn Associated declines in employment levels affecting levels of personal disposable income and discretionary spending Declines in corporate profitability necessitating business travel restrictions Overall declines in consumer confidence continuing Higher fuel prices Weakening currency exchange rates relative to the Canadian dollar making travel to Canada more expensive from key markets Increased border security, airline restrictions, documentation requirements Declining export sales due to global economic downturn for countries such as Mexico and South Korea which had been showing strong growth in overnight visitation to British Columbia H1N1 pandemic Olympic aversion up to Feb 2010 The primary tourism influences supporting the tourism economy during can be summarized as: Business confidence steady 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympic Games Slow economic recovery into 2010 Resort Municipal Initiative2010 District of Tofino - 5

7 3.2. Regional and Local Tourism Context Over the past several years the District of Tofino has emerged as a premier year round destination resort community. With its eclectic blend of four season outdoor recreation amenities, lively arts and culture events, burgeoning local food scene and diverse accommodation, coupled by the spectacular natural landscape of Clayoquot Sound, Tofino has maintained its position as a tourism leader in the province. Several initiatives were employed throughout 2010 to maintain peak summer tourism activity and ameliorate shoulder and off-season tourism visits. A notable example is the Every Drop Counts initiative developed as a result of worldwide media attention following the 2006 water crisis in Tofino. Local businesses had identified a softening of tourism related activity during the typically strong August/September months following The Every Drop Counts campaign was introduced as a partnership between Tourism Tofino (DMO), the District, and the Raincoast Education Society (a local non-profit) to encourage water conservation in Tofino and educate visitors on the security of Tofino s water supply. This initiative has had a positive impact on August/September accommodations while exporting a mindset of sustainability. Surfing has gained significant attention in popular culture over the past several years, resulting in a significant impact to Tofino s tourism economy. In 2010, Tofino was named Surf Capital of Canada and was featured in several magazines for its abundance of good surf. The O Neill Cold Water Classic International Surfing Competition campaign an ASP 6 star qualifying international surfing competition was held in Tofino in This event was well received by locals as well as top flight professional surfers and mainstream, travel and international media. Tourism activity was further bolstered by an impressive sport fishing season in 2010, its best in many years. The annual fishing derby, as well as the inaugural Tofino Saltwater Fishing Derby, hosted by NHLer Brendan Morrison, had a significant impact in the community saw the growth and expansion of many festivals and programs such as the Food and Wine Festival, Saturday Market, Tofino International Film Fest, while many of the well established offerings like Oyster Festival and Pacific Rim Whale Festival have become further entrenched as perennial favourites for locals and tourists alike. Resort Municipal Initiative2010 District of Tofino - 6

8 3.3. Common Reporting The outcome reporting in this section is a direct result of the Resort Collaborative Common Monitoring Program: Monitoring Tourism Success.This program breaks reporting into three sub-sections including; Economic Outcomes, Visitor Experience Outcomes and Community Outcomes Supporting Tourism Development. These tourism success outcomes are directly impacted by the Resort Municipality Initiative (RMI) Projects and a multitude of other factors such as macro economic trends, local weather, marketing efforts, privately owned tourism infrastructure and businesses providing experience to visitors, ease of access, etc. Where possible, charts display the actual result for the current reporting period, the three year rolling average compared to the base year when the RMI program started, and the change in this result compared to a benchmark of some type. In most cases BC was used as the benchmark. Where there isn t enough data to report in the manner described above, attempts were made to include some other level of analysis including three year rolling average and year over year changes. Most communities committed to reporting to the first tier level for these indicators. More details on the framework and reporting tiers can be found in the Monitoring Tourism Success document Economic Outcomes Accommodation Sector Performance Accommodation sector performance provides an indication of the size and health of overall tourism economy (more specifically the accommodation sector), by tracking changes in room revenue or room nights sold. Overnight visitors to the communities tend to participate in more experiences than day visitors, and the additional hours spent in the resort result in increased spending patterns and greater contributions per visitor to the local economy. Resort Municipal Initiative2010 District of Tofino - 7

9 Accommodation Sector Performance: One of the best indicators of accommodation sector performance trends is the Additional Hotel Room Tax (AHRT) funds collected by the fixed roof accommodations in Tofino. The following is a chart of that performance since the inception of the AHRT in Tofino: Tofino AHRT by Month of Accommodation Month of Accommodation /2009 Monthly Delta Jan $23, $16, $19, % Feb $29, $21, $25, % Mar $33, $30, $40, % Apr $32, $34, $34, % May $55, $46, $56, % Jun $69, $64, $79, $69, % Jul $113, $114, $86, $125, % Aug $115, $98, $112, $133, % Sep $71, $70, $66, $71, % Oct $40, $37, $40, $51, % Nov $28, $25, $29, $26, % Dec $25, $21, $21, $26, % $463, $606, $587, $681, Visitor Numbers A resort communities tourism economy is dependent on visits. Visitor numbers provide an understanding of the health of the tourism economy, as well as the popularity the community as a tourism destination, quality of the service levels, and the perceived value of tourism offerings. Depending on the employed methodology, visitor numbers includes day visitors and overnight visitors differing from accommodation sector performance. Resort Municipal Initiative2010 District of Tofino - 8

10 Tofino Visitor Information Centres : The following chart is a detail of visitors who have frequented Visitor Information Centres in Tofino. From January 2004 through May 2009, there was only one visitor centre located at Cox Bay (CB). In June 2009 a Down Town (DT) visitor centre was opened. Both of these visitor centres are currently open 7 days a week year round. Number of Visitors into Tourism Tofino Info Centres DT = CB = Down Town Cox Bay Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Total ,023 1,225 2, ,790 DT ,342 2,345 CB ,200 2, ,855 2,504 4,749 6,732 13,046 14,791 7,173 2,385 1, ,304 DT ,067 1,846 2,255 3,434 6,080 6,858 3,298 1, ,631 CB closed closed ,494 3,298 6,966 7,933 3,875 1, , ,092 1,787 2,361 3,667 8,029 12,108 13,830 7,287 2, ,522 DT closed closed closed closed closed 2,735 4,299 5,477 2, ,206 CB 739 1,092 1,787 2,361 3,667 5,294 7,809 8,353 5,069 2,145 closed closed 38, ,738 1,452 2,363 4,272 8,103 9,387 3,976 2,271 1, , ,020 2,467 5,386 8,466 10,884 5,710 1, , ,222 1,622 3,424 5,713 9,084 9,308 5,013 1, , ,050 1,517 3,637 5,329 9,289 11,157 6,704 1, , ,206 2,011 4,152 7,155 11,682 13,427 7,341 2,557 1, ,083 Number of Tourism Businesses The number of businesses involved in tourism is one measure of tourism economic success and potentially diversity of offerings. The assumption being made here is that a greater number of businesses reflect a stronger economy and investment in tourism development. The total number of Tourism related businesses in Tofino for 2009 was 258 and increased to 290 in This increase was a result of an increase in vacation rentals and sole proprietorships such as scooter and bicycle rental businesses. Tourism businesses accounted for 64% of total business licences issued in 2009 and About 66% of the total increase in businesses from 2009 to 2010 was tourism related. Total Employment in Tourism Resort Municipal Initiative2010 District of Tofino - 9

11 The number of full time employees provides an approximate indication of overall tourism economy success as it combines employee numbers from various tourism sectors and organizations as opposed to business results from on attraction or sector. Statistics from prior years were not available, including the base year and due to this, percentages could not be calculated. In 2010 the total number of employees associated with tourism related businesses were 1547 and 803 for summer and winter respectively. Commercial Assessment One of the desired outcomes of the additional hotel tax program and tourism is to diversify the municipal tax base towards a better mix of residential and commercial taxes Another outcome is concerned with increased investment in the community. This indicator area is meant to measure this progress quite directly by reporting on the non-market change in business and recreation class assessments from year to year. Non-Market Change in Business and Recreation was 1% in 2010 over cumulative change as of Excluding NMC, overall assessment in these classes decreased. Economic Diversification Resort Municipal Initiative2010 District of Tofino - 10

12 Most of the Resort Collaborative communities stated the desire to diversify the economy by increasing the tourism industry contribution into their economies. The higher the number the greater role that tourism plays in the community s/region s economy. For comparison, the region where Whistler resides reports a 27 out of 100 for economic diversification. None identified Resort Municipal Initiative2010 District of Tofino - 11

13 None identified Additional Observations Visitor Experience Outcomes Results in this area generally create a positive environment for enhancing economic outcomes. Visitor Satisfaction Visitor satisfaction with their overall experience in a community is an essential criterion for ensuring the long-term tourism economy health. Capturing perceived experience reveals visitor's feelings about their entire trip from start to finish and influences whether the visitor will return and promote the resort community via word of mouth. The Visitor Information Centres are managed by Tourism Tofino and do not currently conduct any visitor satisfaction surveys. The District of Tofino is actively working with Tourism Tofino and the Tofino Long Beach Chamber of Commerce to develop and administer methodology related to overall visitor experience in Average Length of Stay Average length of stay (ALS) is an important economic indicator because additional hours spent in the resort lead to greater contribution per visitor to the local economy. It is also an indication that visitors are finding enough to do or not do in a community. Longer stays generally reduce the negative impacts related to travel to the community. None identified. Visitor Value for Money Like other industries, customers, in this case visitors, like to get good value for the money spent. Good value is often a primary driver reflected in overall satisfaction with an experience. Similar to the Visitor Satisfaction metric, the District is working with Tourism Tofino and the Tofino Long Beach Chamber of Commerce to develop and administer methodology related to visitor value for money. With increased capacity of the DMO (Tourism Tofino) we expect that this information will be available for next year s report. Resort Municipal Initiative2010 District of Tofino - 12

14 Visitor Promotion The majority of first time visitors select a travel destination based on word of mouth references. The more visitors are willing to promote a community by word of mouth to friends or family the more likely they had a good experience. Promoting a destination through word of mouth increases the likelihood of future visitation by others. Tofino has a great word of mouth reputation that has been built over the years. Ways Tourism Tofino is attempting to enhance this in the electronic age is with strategic and progressive social media campaigns and electronic newsletters that will keep Tofino top of mind with past and potential visitors. Tourism Tofino has a strategic and progressive media platform, which is used to raise the awareness at all levels of visitors of Tofino as a premier, year round destination Additional Observations Robert Brown of Ocean Village Resort receives significant feedback from the visitors to his resort. He states: The overall experience rating of our customers has increased significantly. Many have come for specific events such as the Cold Water Classic, Whale Festival etc. and similarly many have extended their stay when they have seen the range and quality of the amenities provided in the Tofino area. We have seen our occupancy rate increase by 37% and off season occupancy is up over 100%. We attribute this to the marketing and promotion we have undertaken directly, plus the broader Tofino awareness marketing, and the many attractions and amenities offered by Tofino as a destination. The events and amenities available in the off season have expanded Tofino into a true four-season resort and we are seeing these benefits. Resort Municipal Initiative2010 District of Tofino - 13

15 Community Outcomes Supporting Tourism Development The data in this section is collected by both the resort communities and the Whistler Centre for Sustainability (WCS) and is reported by the Whistler Centre for Sustainability for Results in this area generally create a positive foundation to support a positive visitor experience and economic outcomes. Resident Support for Tourism Resident support for tourism development is a barometer of the perceived quality of tourism development on a community. Impacts from factors such as the type of tourism, economic dependence, cultural differences between tourists and visitors, resident control over decisions making and a host of others are reflected here. Tofino s tourism economy is supported primarily by small, locally owned business. Resident support for tourism development is reflected in Official Community Plan policy. By and large, tourism development that is locally owned, eco-friendly, and located within existing tourism focus areas, is supported. For both visitors and locals, negative feedback related to tourism is primarily directed to District staff and Council. Main issues include roadside parking at beach access points, illegal camping, beach fires and noise complaints at off-resort staff housing. Increased bylaw and RCMP presence in 2010 has significantly decreased the number of complaints from Affordable Housing Most resort communities have identified resident housing as an important strategy to remain a vibrant community and to maintain a strong local workforce. Housing costs generally represent residents largest cost and is a significant factor in determining where local employees choose to live. None identified. Resort Municipal Initiative2010 District of Tofino - 14

16 Concentration of Visitors Most resort communities identified the importance of maintaining a local sense of community. As communities become more and more popular as destinations this sense of community can be lost as visitor desires and the desires of those living outside the community supersede local needs. While there is not an ideal ratio, measuring this metric helps to keep track one potential irritant toward more tourism development. The proportion of property owned locally has remained fairly consistent since Despite the addition of commercial housing stock, the 2% increase in 2010 was due to the approval of a new residential subdivision. A significant proportion of new house construction in 2010 was located in traditionally resident neighbourhoods, many of which were owner/builders from the community. Crime Rates/Unlawful Incidents Safety and security are important aspects of community life and especially a positive resort experience. Information on crime rates and total numbers of crime incidents provides a better understanding about actual and perceived safety of residents and visitors. The RCMP has been focused on targeting regular offenders so as to reduce the overall criminal code offences year after year. Resort Municipal Initiative2010 District of Tofino - 15

17 Resident Sense of Belonging Sense of belonging to a community is considered to contribute to the community s social fabric, the strength of the relationships among community members. These relationships are often important to help individuals and groups in a community to organize for work, play and community development. Tofino has a long history of community involvement. Almost all of the festivals and programs in Tofino are run by local volunteers. For example, in 2010 a select committee of Council was formed for the Lighthouse Trail (an RMI project). The committee is made up of 7 highly committed community members, which has garnered increased interest and community support. Median Income Median individual income can help reflect a community's overall economic wellbeing. As a proxy of purchasing power, it is also one measure contributing to individual quality of life. Median income is a commonly measured indicator and is readily comparable across communities. Updated data not provided after 2008 through BC Stats. Resort Municipal Initiative2010 District of Tofino - 16

18 Resident Transience The number of years that residents have lived in a community provides an indication of the community s transient or stable nature. A high proportion of transient community members may impact on a community's ability to develop a strong social fabric and on individual business and economic viability due to the high cost of employee turnover. None identified. Greenhouse Gas Emissions (C.E.E.I Reports) Scientists agree that greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) are contributing to global climate change. This changing climate will impact all local economies, community life, visitor experiences as well as directly on the local natural environment. Visitors and conference planners alike are beginning to make travel decisions based on environmental progress. No background data available since Physical Development (C.E.E.I Reports) Resort Municipal Initiative2010 District of Tofino - 17

19 Many resort communities stated concerns about overdevelopment and boom style development. This indicator provides the ability to track the physical growth of the built landscape with a potential goal to limit continuous encroachment on the surrounding natural areas. None identified Additional Observations Resort Municipal Initiative2010 District of Tofino - 18

20 3.4. RMI Projects, Programs Events Outcome Reporting Results in this area generally create a positive foundation to support a positive visitor experience which translates into economic outcomes. RMI Project 1: Construction of Lighthouse Trail Description and Timeline: This project will create the Lighthouse Trail that connects Tonquin Beach (the closest beach within walking distance from the downtown core) to Middle Beach and MacKenzie Beach. The trail will include educational signage that informs users of the historical, ecological, environmental and social significance of the area. There are areas of cultural significance along the trail. Approximately 1.7 kilometres of this 2.4 kilometre trail has been built. It is envisaged that the trail will be completed by summer Tourism Objective and Rationale: The Wild Pacific Trail in Ucluelet has shown us how such a trail can attract tourism. With stunning viewpoints and meandering through old growth forest with many culturally modified trees, the Lighthouse Trail has already been featured in various media. Tofino residents have been expressing a desire for a greater network of pedestrian trails in Tofino for several years. The Lighthouse Trail was strongly supported in both public meetings held to address Tofino s Resort Municipality application. It was identified as a necessary initiative in the District of Tofino Parks and Recreation Master Plan to offer additional recreation and pedestrian oriented activities for visitors. The Lighthouse Trail project, once complete, will contribute to many of the objectives in Tofino s Official Community Plan (Vision Tofino 2002) such as enhancing community access to all beaches and promoting pedestrian circulation that reduces the need to drive. Narrative describing current reporting year activities: 1.7 kilometres of the trail has been constructed. Project Outcomes to date: The trail is projected to officially open summer The trail has been featured in local and provincial media. Websites and have been purchased and are in the process of being constructed. Requests for proposals have been sent out for construction of platforms, viewpoints and other trail amenities. None identified. Additional Context: At Ocean Village we are very excited about the upcoming completion of the Lighthouse Trail we think this is a very important project and it will definitely be something we highlight and promote to our guests. - Robert Brown, Ocean Village Resort We're really happy to be able to promote the new Lighthouse Trail. One of the most commonly asked questions by lodge guests is "Where can we go for a hike?" and until the development of the Lighthouse Trail, it was hard to suggest places other than the beach (which, believe it or not, people are looking for alternatives to!). We hope to see the Lighthouse Trail extended in time and be as successful for Tofino as the Wild Pacific Trail has been for Ucluelet. An added bonus about the Lighthouse Trail is that it is easily accessible for Tofino visitors who are not travelling by car, as you can bike or walk to the head of the trail and hopefully one day a loop of the Lighthouse Trail and the Multi-Use Path will enable visitors to make a 2-3 hour loop of Tofino's forests, beaches, and neighbourhoods. - Josie Osborne, Tofino Botanical Gardens and EcoLodge Resort Municipal Initiative2010 District of Tofino - 19

21 RMI Project 2: Construction of Multi Use Path Description and Timeline: The Multi Use Path is a frequently used paved pedestrian and cycling path that runs adjacent to the highway from the edge of the downtown core to the Visitor Centre. The multi use path will be extended into the town centre (approximately 1km) and from the Visitor Centre to Long Beach in the Pacific Rim Park Reserve (approximately 9km). The project is envisioned to be completed by the end of Tourism Objective and Rationale: The Multi Use Path provides an important cycling and pedestrian connection between the village centre and several tourism nodes; MacKenzie Beach, Chesterman Beach and Cox Bay. It offers an alternative to driving and is widely used by residents and visitors alike. Extending the path will increase use and reduce traffic in the downtown core. Narrative describing current reporting year activities: Approximately 75 metres of path was constructed eliminating the need for pedestrians and cyclists to use the highway shoulder. Project Outcomes to date: The traffic on the multi use path has increased over the year. The section of path was crucial to accessing Chesterman Beach and Cox Bay. Pedestrians and cyclists now have a safe route to access these beaches from the downtown core and the Visitor Centre. None identified. Additional Context: The Tofino Botanical Gardens and EcoLodge are located about 1.4 km south of downtown Tofino and the Multi-Use Path is the primary way that our lodge guests travel in to the downtown core as well as out to the town's beaches. As an environmentally conscious business, we actively promote walking and bicycle riding over car travel. We rent bicycles to lodge guests, and we also offer a one dollar discount for garden admission to any garden visitor who arrives by bicycle or on foot. The improvements to and maintenance of the MUP are important for our business -- without them, there would not be a safe way to travel into town, especially in the evening at at night. We're also proud to participate in community initiatives such as the "Earth Week MUP Clean Up" in which our staff members join other business staffs and local residents to clean the MUP and keep it looking great. - Josie Osborne, Tofino Botanical Gardens and EcoLodge We regularly receive questions and comments about the MUP. Many guests, when booking, ask about how to get into town (other than by car) and are very happy to hear about the safe pedestrian/bike friendly option offered by the MUP. Similarly guests comments regularly in a very positive way about their enjoyment of the MUP. - Robert Brown, Ocean Village Resort Resort Municipal Initiative2010 District of Tofino - 20

22 4. Conclusion and Outlook Challenges related to staff turnover and related administrative capacity within the District inhibited active involvement in RMI projects over the first seven months of However, in August, staff and Council reviewed the existing Resort Development Strategy and identified the Lighthouse Trail and Multi Use Path projects as the most relevant and achievable in Both of these projects are highly supported amongst community members and tourism businesses alike. These projects also align well with Tofino s position as an active living community and a community which is committed to sustainable transportation. The volunteer Lighthouse Trail Committee was a great asset in galvanizing community support and a sense of ownership for the project. Their assistance, along with significant Council support and involvement, greatly assisted the overall project management by staff and helped meet ambitious project timelines. The success of the committee structure has been replicated for several other RMI projects slated for Following the success of the RMI program over the past 6 months the community, staff and Council are energized to embark on new projects for Similarly, with increased capacity of its own, Tourism Tofino is working with the District to promote and market the successes of the RMI projects and quantify the impact these projects have on tourism. The existing Resort Development Strategy has been challenging in that many of the identified projects require preliminary feasibility study prior to the expenditure of significant capital funds, and many of these studies were slated in 2008 and However, the District sees a great opportunity in the requirement to develop a new Resort Development Strategy, to reconsider existing projects and to identify projects that are achievable. Moreover, there has been increased interest from our key stakeholders, which will undoubtedly result in a more dynamic and robust strategy. Implicit in this new strategy will be a consideration of RMI revenues previously acquired under the existing strategy. Specific RMI projects identified for 2011 include beach access improvements, continuation of MUP extension, completion of Lighthouse Trail, construction of mountain bike park and trails and developing a planning and implementation strategy for downtown revitalization.