Community Master Plan
Community Master Plan for Toquaht Nation begins
Toquaht Nation has launched a project to create a master plan for Macoah and the Secret Beach area, as well as the recently purchased lands known as Section 38. At the same time, we’ll be working on a Housing Strategy for the area and a project to address shoreline erosion in Macoah. The projects are all interconnected and we will be working closely with all consultants to assure alignment.
What is a Community Master Plan
A Community Master Plan will illustrate a design vision for Macoah, Secret Beach and the lands above both areas, which is what we call Section 38. It will show the locations of new roads, housing, and infrastructure and identify other community services—such as trails and commercial spaces, community services —to support our health, wellness, culture, and community into the future.
EcoPlan, who worked with Toquaht Nation on updating our Official Community Plan in 2023, will be working on the project with Matthew Thomson Design. They will also be updating supporting legislation (Macoah Zoning and Structures Act) to ensure it better reflects the needs of residents and support new development.
Fall Community Engagement
Community Dinners in Macoah and Port Alberni
Thank you for your participation in community dinners in Macoah and Port Alberni. We had more than 35 citizens attend and had great feedback on the priorities that need to be considered.
Community Survey
In addition, there was a community survey, which was another great chance for citizens to provide thoughtful feedback. We are greatful to all who participated!
What’s Next
The winter 2025 Peoples Assembly on Dec. 6 is the next scheduled update for both the Community Master Plan and the Toquaht Housing Strategy. Please plan to attend!
Want to Know More?
Contact Brett Freake, Manager of Lands and Resources, Toquaht Nation, via email or by phone at 250-726-4230 ext. 261 for more information.
Project Teams
EcoPlan is a small, multidisciplinary firm of skilled and experienced community planners, , communications and engagement specialists, and designers. At the core of our work is a commitment to participatory, community driven planning processes that produce resilient, useable, and community-supported strategies and plans. EcoPlan will be working with Toquaht Nation on the Community Master Plan and zoning updates.
Matthew Thomson Design (MTD) is a professional design studio that offers landscape architecture and design services. EcoPlan has collaborated with MTD on several similar projects including a concept design for several First Nations in B.C. and across Canada. MTD will be working with Toquaht Nation on the Community Master Plan and zoning updates.
Wiser Projects is a woman-led, B-Corp certified planning and development consulting firm. We have over 50 years of collective experience in community planning, policy-writing, non-profit and for-profit development, and engagement and consultation. Our interdisciplinary team collaborates with non-profits, all levels of government, Indigenous organizations, First Nations, and private industry to develop diverse, sustainable and unique community and housing solutions. Wiser will be working with Toquaht Nation on the Housing Strategy.