Photo credits: Tofino Community Food Initiative
We deeply appreciate the efforts of the Community Development Advisory Committee, comprised of dedicated local volunteers, for their thorough review of each application. The committee has prioritized projects that will have the most significant impact on those with the greatest need.
To learn more about the projects or connect with project leaders, email brooke@clayoquotbiosphere.org.
We would also like to thank the West Coast Sustainable Tourism Association for contributing $7 500 in funding to support the Greater Victoria Down Syndrome Society, the District of Tofino and the Surf’s Up for Autism Society’s projects. To learn more about all the initiatives they supported over the years, visit their website at wcsta.ca/projects.
Hang 21 Learn to Surf Event | Greater Victoria Down Syndrome Society
Hang 21 is an annual, community-driven surf event in Tofino that creates an inclusive and supportive space for individuals with Down syndrome and their families to experience surfing. Centered on fun, connection, and accessibility, the event pairs participants with trained volunteers to safely enjoy the waves while building confidence and new skills. Hang 21 is a community celebration where families form lasting friendships, individuals gain confidence, and everyone involved experiences the power of inclusion and shared joy for everyone involved.
Moving in a Good Way: Active Access at the Clayoquot Campus | Clayoquot Indigenous Conservation Innovation Centre
This project focuses on improving how people move through the Clayoquot Campus by introducing clear, practical infrastructure that supports both vehicle use and active transportation. Planned upgrades include improved parking and wayfinding signage, designated pedestrian routes, secure bike racks, and clearly marked access points for canoes and kayaks.
Rather than limiting vehicle access, the initiative aims to create a safer, more organized, and lower-impact site as the campus grows. By putting these measures in place early in the reopening phase, the project will reduce confusion, enhance safety, and encourage accessible ways of getting to and around the site.
Ongoing Food Security | Food Bank on the Edge
The Food Bank on the Edge is developing a climate-controlled infrastructure to safely store larger quantities of non-perishable, nutritious, and culturally appropriate foods. This will allow them to maintain a reliable emergency reserve, reduce food waste, accept bulk donations, and ensure stable distribution during both short-term disruptions and longer-term crises.
This project also includes creating a secure, weather-protected storage area for returnable beverage containers, which provide an important source of ongoing funding. Together, these improvements will enhance the food bank’s ability to respond to community needs while building long-term resilience.
Opitsaht Ceremonial Sweat Lodge: Phase 2 | Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation
This is a continuation of the project that got started with a 2025 CBT Community Development Grant. To recap, the project aims to convert a frame cabin into a community sweat lodge for traditional Indigenous sweat ceremonies, located in the village of Opitsaht. The goal is to provide accessible access for all ƛaʔuukʷiʔatḥ (Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation) community members, including the elderly, disabled, and young children, who often cannot travel to traditional ceremonial areas.
The next phase focuses on completing key upgrades, including exterior refinishing, interior insulation and woodwork, installation of benches, accessibility features such as handrails and steps, and foundation blocks. Once completed, the space will support cultural continuity, healing, and community connection.
Orange Door Gallery Opening Receptions | Pacific Rim Arts Society
The Orange Door Gallery is a vibrant space that brings people together through creative experiences and community connection. This project supports exhibitions and public programming, including opening receptions that create welcoming, memorable experiences for both residents and visitors. These events feature live music, light refreshments, and collaborative pop-ups with nearby partners like Yayu Café, strengthening connections within the local arts community. Through these gatherings, the gallery will highlight artistic excellence, celebrate creativity, and bring people together around the arts.
Recreation Expo Community Access | District of Tofino
The Recreation Expo is an annual, full-day community event that brings people together through sport, recreation, and local programming. Held at the Village Green alongside the Tofino Market, it features activities like basketball and pickleball tournaments, as well as showcases of local recreation groups and programs. Focused on accessibility and inclusivity, the event encourages participation from across the region and promotes healthy, active living. Efforts to expand transportation from neighbouring communities and provide healthy food options aim to reduce barriers, support well-being, and strengthen community connections.
Supporting Root Growth in the Region | Tofino Community Food Society
This project expands the connective network of school community gardens across the region, supporting young people in learning about food, land, and sustainability through hands-on experience. This work responds to growing interest from schools and communities seeking guidance, resources, and on-the-ground support.
In 2026 and 2027, the project will help establish a new garden at Ucluelet Secondary School, revitalize an orchard in Opitsaht into a community food forest and gathering space, and strengthen an existing school garden program in Ahousaht. By building connections between these initiatives, the project aims to support long-term food literacy, intergenerational learning, and community resilience across the region.
Surf's Up Event | Surf's Up for Autism Society
Surf’s Up is an annual, community-based event that provides children with autism and their families the opportunity to experience surfing in a supportive and inclusive environment. Bringing together trained surf instructors, volunteers, and autism support professionals, the program offers a safe and enjoyable introduction to the ocean.
Since its beginnings in 2012, the initiative has grown significantly, now welcoming over 100 participants each year, including siblings. The event focuses on creating positive, shared experiences that build confidence, connection, and a sense of belonging for participants and their families.
Tofino Surf Lifesaving Club Community Outreach | Tofino Surf Lifesaving Club
This project supports the Tofino Surf Lifesaving Club’s community outreach efforts to improve ocean safety and make programs more accessible and inclusive. Key initiatives include the Beach Ambassador Program, Ocean Safety Community and Resort Workshops, educational materials, Surf School and Rental Shop Round-table Meeting, and support for youth participation.
Through direct engagement on local beaches, the Beach Ambassador Program helps visitors understand ocean hazards and safer recreation practices. The project also addresses gaps in surf safety knowledge by partnering with local surf schools and rental shops to develop clear, accessible safety resources for users. These efforts aim to build awareness, strengthen community partnerships, and create a safer, more informed coastal community.
Welcome Bay | Westcoast Community Resources Society
This project focuses on strengthening the Welcome Bay housing program for women and children fleeing violence by improving services and deepening collaboration with local First Nations. Through consultation with ƛaʔuukʷiʔatḥ (Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation) and Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ (Ucluelet First Nation), the initiative aims to better align programming with Indigenous priorities, increase awareness of available supports, and build stronger relationships between service providers and communities.
By centring resident needs and experiences, the project seeks to enhance culturally relevant programming while highlighting the ongoing need for safe, dedicated housing for women and families across the region.
As both the local community foundation and the organization stewarding the Clayoquot Sound UNESCO Biosphere Region, the Clayoquot Biosphere Trust is proud to provide annual funding to local partners who are carrying out vital work that strengthens community well-being and supports the long-term health of ecosystems across the region.
