Thieves Bay Park Community Pavilion will be the island’s first covered outdoor venue

Thieves Bay, Pender Island, BC – A new community-led project will deliver Pender Island’s first covered outdoor venue, creating expanded opportunities for events, gatherings, recreation, and local economic activity.

The Thieves Bay Park Community Pavilion, located within the vicinity of Thieves Bay Marina, will be a timber-frame structure complemented by accessible picnic tables, a raised native plant garden, and interpretive signage. The project is being managed by the Pender Island Parks and Recreation Commission on behalf of the Capital Regional District, with funding support from the Commission, Island Coastal Economic Trust, and additional partners. Construction is expected to take place this spring.

Once complete, the pavilion will transform an underdeveloped oceanside area into a vibrant, inclusive gathering space and economic driver. Designed to be accessible, low-profile, and thoughtfully integrated into the park’s natural setting, the pavilion will serve as a focal point for cultural, recreational, educational, and community activities. The park is a key recreation hub, connected to the island’s active transportation trail network and located near Magic Lake, home to around 2,000 residents.

“This pavilion represents what’s possible when a community comes together with a shared vision,” said Justine Starke, Senior Manager, Southern Gulf Islands Electoral Area Administration. “It will be a place for connection, creativity, and celebration, where neighbours gather, local events flourish, and visitors experience the spirt of the Gulf Islands. We’re incredibly proud to help bring this space to life and create a lasting asset for the people of Pender Island.”

By providing an all-season venue for gatherings and small-scale events, the project will strengthen community connections, expand opportunities for local vendors and tourism operators, and enhance the quality of life on Pender Island.

“I’m a strong supporter of this project because it shows what happens when we collaborate and bring people together, foster economic opportunities, and create a space for us all to make memories together,” said Rob Botterell, MLA for Saanich North and the Islands.

The project is anticipated to enable the expansion of at least 15 local businesses, including special event vendors, accommodation providers, and artisans. Planning involved key partnerships, including the Magic Lake Property Owners Association, Pender Island Chamber of Commerce, Pender Island Conservancy Association, and the Southern Gulf Islands Tourism Partnership. The construction will create three temporary jobs and incorporate a low-carbon, adaptable design to support climate resiliency. The SȾÁUTW̱ (Tsawout) Nation and the W̱SÁNEĆ Leadership Council were engaged for review of ground disturbance and to consider cultural monitoring related to archaeological significance. First Nation oversight and participation during construction is planned.

“Community spaces like this pavilion are essential to the social and economic vitality of island communities,” said Island Coastal Economic Trust CEO Brodie Guy. “We’re grateful to partner on a project that strengthens community life, enhances Pender Island’s appeal as a vibrant destination, and creating a welcoming place for residents and visitors to gather, host events, and build lasting connections.”

Island Coastal Economic Trust is partnering on the project through a $40,000 investment from the Community Placemaking funding program, under the Entrepreneurs and Local Businesses investment priority.

For more information visit: https://islandcoastaltrust.ca/project/community-placemaking/activation-of-thieves-bay-park-pavilion-on-pender-island/

– 30 –

About Island Coastal Economic Trust

Island Coastal Economic Trust is the regional development organization founded by the Province of British Columbia under the North Island-Coast Development Initiative Trust Act to serve Vancouver Island and the surrounding coast. We partner with First Nations, local governments, businesses, and non-profits to drive prosperity and diversify the coastal economy through strategic economic investments. Over $401 million in direct new investment has been attracted to coastal B.C. through our partnerships since 2006. We believe that meaningful and lasting change is best achieved through strong, collaborative partnerships that unite people, communities, sectors, and resources. As we work toward inclusive and resilient economic futures, we do so with a deep appreciation for the histories, contributions, and rights of the Kwak̓wala/Bakwam’kala, Nuučaa̓nuɫ, Éy7á7juuthem, Ligwilda’xw, Pəntl’áč, She shashishalhem, Hul’q’umi’num’, diitiidʔaatx̣, SENĆOŦEN, Skwxwú7mesh, Lekwungen, and T’Sou-ke speaking peoples.

The Trust’s mandate has been to support economic diversification and growth across Vancouver Island, the Sunshine Coast, and islands and inlets from the Salish Sea to Cape Caution (see Our Region). Serving more than half a million residents, the Trust partners with communities in the development and financing of their economic infrastructure and diversification efforts through a unique structure that is led by and accountable to communities.

Media Contacts:

Kyle Wells
Manager, Communications and Impact
Island Coastal Economic Trust
kyle@islandcoastaltrust.ca
250-871-7797

Justine Starke
Senior Manager, Southern Gulf Islands Electoral Area Administration
Capital Regional District
jstarke@crd.bc.ca
250-360-3275