Toquaht Housing Strategy
April 2026
Toquaht Nation Housing Strategy Completed
Toquaht Nation has now completed and adopted its Housing Strategy, a long-term plan that will guide housing development on Toquaht lands over the next ten years (2026–2035).
The Housing Strategy was led by the Lands and Resources Department with support from consultants and input from Toquaht citizens, staff, and leadership. The project builds on the feedback gathered through community surveys, engagement sessions in Macoah and Port Alberni, and discussions with leadership and staff.
Thank you to all citizens who shared their perspectives during the engagement process. Your input helped identify housing priorities and ensure the strategy reflects the needs and aspirations of the community.
What the Strategy Will Do
The Housing Strategy looks at both current housing conditions and future needs on Toquaht lands. It provides guidance on:
- The number and types of homes that may be needed in the coming years
- Where future housing development could occur
- Infrastructure and services required to support new housing
- Potential funding opportunities to support housing development
The strategy also supports broader community planning efforts, including the Community Master Plan, and will help guide future housing development in Macoah, Secret Beach, and Section 38 (Upper Macoah).
Looking Ahead
Housing continues to be a key priority for Toquaht Nation. The Housing Strategy provides a clear roadmap to support safe, appropriate housing for current residents and for citizens who may wish to live in the community in the future.
Over the coming years, the Nation will work toward implementing the strategy’s recommendations as funding and infrastructure opportunities arise.
For more information on the Housing Strategy, please contact Lands & Resources manager Brett Freake.
September 2025
Toquaht Housing Strategy begins
Toquaht Nation has launched a project to create a Housing Strategy for Macoah and the Secret Beach area, which will also include the recently purchased lands known as Section 38. At the same time, we’ll be working on a Community Master Plan. The projects are all interconnected and we will be working closely with all consultants to assure alignment.
What is the Housing Strategy project?
An increasing number of Toquaht citizens have recently voiced the desire to live on community lands. Making this vision a reality requires comprehensive planning and engagement to ensure suitable housing and services are available for both current and future residents.
To best understand what housing to build, when to build it, and how to pay for it, the Housing Strategy will assess the complete housing needs of community members and examine available land, infrastructure, and funding opportunities.
Led by Wiser Projects, the project seeks to understand current and future housing needs for the Toquaht community and members currently living away, which will meet the needs of all citizens over the next 10 years (2026 – 2035). Funding opportunities for new housing will also be explored as part of the project. Information from the Housing Strategy will help inform the Community Master Plan project.
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 grateful 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.
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.