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Malcolm Island Economic Development Strategy

Date: 2013 to 2014

Building on the work done over the previous two years by the community, EcoPlan worked with the residents of Sointula and Malcolm Island to develop a community economic development strategy.  The island’s reliance on shrinking and volatile resource industries (fishing and forestry) have led to significant changes in employment, population and average age over the past twenty years. A key piece of the project was an economic situation assessment so residents could understand the current economic situation and trends.  Through community open houses, small group meetings, conversations at community hubs (bakery, ferry terminal, etc.), and other engagement methods, a strategy was created that examined opportunities for economic development, and the governance and implementation structures to undertake them (a unique challenge since Malcolm Island has limited local government).