Quadra Island, BC — The Discovery Islands Chamber of Commerce and the Discovery Islands Affordable Housing Society are pleased to announce a new partnership focused on advancing workforce housing and strengthening the long-term sustainability of the Discovery Islands visitor economy. Many businesses on Quadra support tourism without being directly involved in tourist activities, and they are all struggling to find staff. That is in part because of lack of housing. This initiative will support our businesses.
The initiative will align a portion of Municipal and Regional District Tax (MRDT) revenues with housing solutions for employees working in tourism, hospitality, and related service sectors. Local accommodation providers have expressed strong, unanimous support for a balanced approach that invests in destination marketing while addressing the housing needed to sustain the workforce delivering visitor services.
Online accommodation platforms will also play an important role, as applicable short-term rental operators will be required to collect and remit the MRDT. These contributions will significantly enhance the program’s impact, expanding resources for destination marketing and tourism workforce housing initiatives.
Through the Chamber’s MRDT five-year strategic plan, efforts will focus on expanding overnight visitation for shoulder-season travel, and supporting the transition to a more resilient, year-round visitor economy—helping ensure the workforce capacity needed to deliver high-quality visitor experiences.
“Tourism businesses depend on a reliable workforce, and that workforce needs housing,” said Carol-Ann Terreberry, President of the Discovery Islands Chamber of Commerce. “By aligning destination marketing with workforce housing initiatives, we are supporting long-term sustainability while helping transform Quadra Island into a stronger year-round destination.” Terreberry added: “We are deeply grateful to the hoteliers on Quadra Island for their shared support of workforce housing. Their leadership reflects a clear understanding that a thriving visitor economy depends on a stable and supported workforce.”
The partnership supports priorities identified in the Quadra Island Economic Diversification Plan, which emphasizes strengthening year-round economic opportunities while reducing reliance on seasonal cycles.
Pam Goijberg, Vice President of the Discovery Islands Affordable Housing Society said: “Housing is essential to the vitality of our community and the success of our local businesses. This partnership recognizes that housing and economic sustainability are closely connected.” The Discovery Islands Affordable Housing Society will work with the Chamber and partners to advance initiatives that increase long-term rental housing for employees working in tourism and related sectors.
MRDT revenues will be used in accordance with provincial guidelines and the Chamber’s approved plans, supporting destination development, visitor experience enhancement, and long-term sustainability.
This collaborative approach reflects a growing recognition that sustainable visitor economies depend on strong local communities. The partnership has been developed with the support of local accommodation providers, recognizing their shared interest in a stable tourism workforce and a resilient year-round visitor economy.
Together, the organizations are committed to supporting destination development, workforce stability, and sustainable tourism growth so the Discovery Islands remain a vibrant place to live, work, and visit.
Media Contact
Discovery Islands Chamber of Commerce
Discovery Islands Affordable Housing Society