Quadra Island Economic Diversification Plan

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A community-driven plan to support a more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable economy on Quadra Island.

Quadra Island is at an important turning point. Local businesses, residents, and partners are working together to shape an economy that is more resilient, diverse, and grounded in the island's values, people, and lands.
This website shares the results of the Quadra Island Economic Diversification Planning Project, led by the Discovery Islands Chamber of Commerce in collaboration with the We Wai Kai Nation and the Quadra Island Foundation, and supported through programs such as the Rural Economic Diversification and Infrastructure Program (REDIP) and Island Coastal Economic Trust (ICET).

Such as seasonal tourism and forestry.

And local livelihoods.

And climate-aware development.

Including Indigenous knowledge and leadership.

The project brings together asset mapping, demographic and sector analysis, and deep community engagement to identify realistic next steps for the island's economic future.

This work also lays the foundation for a future Sustainable Tourism Plan, which will focus on strengthening tourism in ways that support community well-being, cultural vitality, and environmental health.

Two community workshops in June and October 2025 brought residents, business owners, and community leaders together to discuss values, strengths, challenges, gaps, and opportunities. Activities included mapping community values, identifying strengths and challenges, and co-creating concrete project ideas and priority actions.

Semi-structured interviews with people who hold deep knowledge of Quadra's economy, community life, and future possibilities provided nuanced insight into what is working well, what is missing, and where the most promising opportunities lie.

The "Guiding Quadra's Economic Future: Community Priorities and Economic Diversification Survey" invited Quadra Island residents to share their views in a two-part online questionnaire. Part One was a shorter snapshot (about 10–15 minutes) and Part Two was an optional, more detailed section (an additional 20–30 minutes). Participation was voluntary, respondents could skip any question, and all answers are reported in summary form only. An optional staycation prize draw entry was collected separately from responses to protect confidentiality. These results are presented in the Community Survey Explorer section of this site.

Together, these pieces form the evidence base for the Economic Diversification Roadmap shared on this site.

Discovery Islands Chamber of Commerce:

• President: Carol Ann Terreberry
• Treasurer: Carol Perry
• Discovery Islands Chamber of Commerce Council Member: Tina Oswald

Jennifer Banks-Doll coordinates community engagement, logistics, and communications

Dr. Farhad Moghimehfar
BC Reginal Innovation Chair in Tourism and Sustainable Rural Development at Vancouver Island University

These partners work closely with the We Wai Kai Nation and the Quadra Island Foundation, along with other local organizations, businesses, and residents who have contributed their time and knowledge throughout the process.

This site is designed as a digital presentation of the project: a place where community members, partners, and future funders can see the evidence behind the plan and understand how decisions were made.
Each major section of the site includes a short overview, interactive data where available, and plain-language interpretation of what the findings mean for Quadra's future.