A collaborative effort led by the Alberni Chamber of Commerce on behalf of the Ucluelet Chamber of Commerce and the Tofino Long Beach Chamber of Commerce is looking into the impacts of the Hwy. 4 closure due to wildfires over the summer.

B次元官网网址淗uge thank you to Island Coastal Economic Trust and Community Futures Alberni-Clayoquot (CFAC) for supporting this project that will look at the impacts of the Hwy. 4 closure earlier this year on the three communities of Tofino, Ucluelet and Port Alberni,B次元官网网址� read a social media post by the Tofino chamber on Nov. 27.

The Tofino chamber conducted a survey of West Coast businesses that suggested the 17-day road closure at Cameron Bluffs in June .

The Alberni Valley Chamber of Commerce is now developing a strategic recovery plan aimed at addressing economic priorities following the wildfires-caused closure thanks to an investment from Island Coastal Economic TrustB次元官网网址檚 Investment Readiness Program.

B次元官网网址淭he initial two-week closure, followed by scheduled road restrictions for rock scaling and ongoing disruptions due to weather and stabilization events, inflicted huge economic and social hardships on our region,B次元官网网址� said Alberni chamber CEO Jolleen Dick in an announcement last week.

B次元官网网址淭his socio-economic impact assessment will go a long way towards ensuring economic resilience in the Alberni-Clayoquot region.B次元官网网址�

The announcement adds that the closures shut down a vital transportation route, impacting the flow of goods, services, and travellers.

B次元官网网址淭he proposed initiative involves an examination of the losses suffered by local businesses and industries. A consultant will be hired to uncover the immediate needs of the business community and inform targeted support measures,B次元官网网址� the announcement reads.

B次元官网网址淭he collaboration also extends to engaging rightsholders, local governments, and key stakeholders to develop a strategic recovery plan that addresses economic priorities.B次元官网网址�

The project will produce a report on consensus regional priorities for both the provincial and federal governments as well as related agencies lobbying for investments into B次元官网网址渆conomic recovery and resilienceB次元官网网址� for communities within the Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District.

It also aims to help communities collaborate on disaster planning and identify gaps where changes are needed.

B次元官网网址淭he regionB次元官网网址檚 economies, reliant on industries such as tourism, forestry, and agriculture, were severely affected by this unexpected disruption,B次元官网网址� said Island Coastal Economic Trust chair Aaron Stone.

B次元官网网址淲e are grateful to be partnering on this collaborative project that brings people together to identify concrete solutions for business continuity, disaster response planning, and long-term economic resilience.B次元官网网址�

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