Ḵ̓wax̱wa̱lawadi Dock Revitalization
Kwiḵwa̱sut’inux̱w Haxwa’mis First Nation lead vital infrastructure project to enhance Ḵ̓wax̱wa̱lawadi, Echo Bay Marina, creating jobs and increasing visitation near Gwa’yas’dums.
Overview
Kwiḵwa̱sut’inux̱w Haxwa’mis First Nation, who purchased Ḵ̓wax̱wa̱lawadi – Echo Bay Marina and Lodge in 2020, have identified the dock revitalization project, marina, and its adjacent facilities as a priority strategic initiative.
As a vital moorage location, fuel dock, and service provider, the marina provides pivotal economic opportunity to the nation and its members.
This project investment focuses on revitalizing the dock infrastructure to spur business growth and new business development. The project is supported through the Island Coastal Trust’s Capital and Innovation program with its focus on Logistics and Transportation.
Strengthening Community Wellbeing
Through this dock revitalization project, Ḵ̓wax̱wa̱lawadi – Echo Bay Marina and Lodge will modernize vital transportation and logistics infrastructure in the Broughton Archipelago. The project prioritizes training and employment opportunities for Kwiḵwa̱sut’inux̱w Haxwa’mis First Nation members in their home territory.
Media Contacts
Jeff Bartlett
Communications and Impact Manager
Island Coastal Economic Trust
250-871-7797
jeff@islandcoastaltrust.ca
Project Details
Project Impact
The Trust invests in projects using a Wellbeing Impact Framework that looks beyond traditional economic metrics. This approach evaluates how each investment strengthens economic prosperity, cultural vitality, climate resilience, and social empowerment. By focusing on outcomes that matter to people and place, the Trust works to spur new investments that create meaningful, lasting benefits across Vancouver Island and the coast.
Economic Prosperity
By modernizing its marina facilities, Ḵ̓wax̱wa̱lawadi – Echo Bay Marina will extend its operational season and attract more – and larger – vessels into its Broughton Islands location. The project aims to drive tourism back to per-pandemic levels, when up to 1500 boats and 5000 guests visited annually.
Along with the expected economic benefits within the Echo Bay Marina and Lodge facilities, the new initiative will spur expanding and new businesses across the archipelago.
Climate Resiliency
Increase long-term sustainability and resiliency against the effects of changing climate conditions by utilizing weather resistant materials.
Lower the marina’s dependance on burning fossil fuels for electricity by installing solar panels and battery microgrids.
Cultural Vitality
The initiative compliments existing cultural infrastructure, including the interpretive trail that Kwiḵwa̱sut’inux̱w Haxwa’mis First Nation and Island Coastal Trust partnered on in 2022. The trail is one of the only publicly available walking trails in the Broughton Islands and attracts day trippers from North Vancouver Island.
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