Quadra Island, BC — The Discovery Islands Chamber of Commerce, in collaboration with the We Wai Kai Nation, is pleased to announce the launch of a Sustainable Tourism Plan engagement process for Quadra Island, beginning with a community session on March 14, 2026. This planning process will be shaped by local voices, grounded in community values, and focused on long-term community wellbeing.
The Sustainable Tourism Plan will build on Quadra Island’s recently completed Economic Diversification Plan and will draw on the extensive community input gathered through that work. As it moves forward, the plan will support long-term economic vitality while protecting the environmental, social, and cultural values that make Quadra Island unique.
Tourism is already part of life on Quadra Island. This planning process is not about attracting more visitors at any cost. Instead, it will carefully consider local capacity and infrastructure realities, including transportation, services, and seasonal pressures.
“This plan is about balance — supporting livelihoods while respecting our environment, our capacity, and our quality of life,” said Carol Ann Terreberry, President of the Discovery Islands Chamber of Commerce. “We heard clearly from residents and businesses during the Economic Diversification process. Rather than pursuing growth for growth’s sake, this work will focus on quality over quantity, ensuring tourism contributes positively to community wellbeing and economic diversification.”
From the perspective of the We Wai Kai Nation, collaboration and care will be central to the process. “Tourism has a role to play in our shared future, but only when it is guided by respect, responsibility, and relationships,” said Jason Wilson, Director of Economic Development, We Wai Kai Nation. “This planning process is an opportunity to work together to ensure tourism supports community wellbeing, honours culture, and protects the lands and waters that sustain us all.”
As it unfolds, the Sustainable Tourism Plan will focus on practical, real-world priorities, including:
- Supporting local businesses and workers so they can thrive year-round
- Improving how visitors and peak seasons are managed
- Encouraging tourism that aligns with Quadra Island’s values and limits
- Protecting ecosystems and natural resources
- Strengthening collaboration across the community
The Discovery Islands Chamber of Commerce encourages community members, businesses, and organizations who care about the future of Quadra Island to participate as the plan takes shape. Opportunities for engagement and input will be shared throughout the process. The Economic Diversification Plan can be viewed at quadraedp.ca.
This initiative is being led by a dedicated and experienced project team, including:
- Dr. Farhad Moghimehfar, Project Consultant
- Jennifer Banks-Doll, Economic Diversification Coordinator
- Jason Wilson, Director of Economic Development, We Wai Kai Nation
- Discovery Islands Chamber of Commerce Steering Committee, including: Carol Ann Terreberry, President
- Carol Perry, Treasurer
- Tina Oswald, Councillor
Funding for this project is provided by the Province of British Columbia through the Rural Economic Development and Infrastructure Program (REDIP).
Media Contact: Carol Ann Terreberry Discovery Islands Chamber of Commerce