The Toquaht Nation on Vancouver Island is building a new Secret Beach Trail to link the tourism amenities around its marina and campground in Macoah, outside Ucluelet.
The Toquaht Marina and Campground is operated by the Toquaht Business Development Corporation and the new trail has received funding from the Island Coastal Economic Trust.
The Trust recently announced an additional $100,000 for the estimated $1-million project
“This initiative further establishes Secret Beach as a tourism destination, while strengthening wellbeing of Toquaht Nation masčim (citizens) seeking safe alternative transportation, employment opportunities and active lifestyles,” said Island Coastal Economic Trust chair Aaron Stone. “We are grateful to partner with Toquaht Nation on this new investment and look forward to seeing their continued success as they develop cultural and nature-based tourism across their territory.”
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The Toquaht Nation’s business manager Noah Plonka said the new trail network will also bring benefits to Macoah residents.
“Toquaht community members and citizens visiting home are very excited to be able to access historical sites with ease. The new trail will connect trail networks previously built, creating another alternative for commuting to and from work or play,” Plonka said.
“The main goal of the trail is to boost health and wellness in our community and there’s nothing better than a walk through the forest beachside. This trail will welcome our guests at Secret Beach Campground and give them another reason to visit. The future of recreation at the campground and Toquaht is bright with hydro and water being installed. This will bring more opportunities and amenities to support the trail recreation.”
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Work on the new trail began in June and is expected to be complete by the end of October when it will become part of the proposed Telegraph Trail aimed at following the historical telegraph line from Port Alberni to Ucluelet.
“Connecting Secret Beach and m̓aʔaquuʔa (Macoah) will make it safer and easier for people to travel between these two spectacular locations in Toquaht territory,” said Mid Island – Pacific Rim MLA Josie Osborne.
“As part of a larger active transportation trail network, it will also be a key tourism amenity adding to the economic opportunities being developed by the Toquaht Nation.”
The nation sees the new Secret Beach Trail as an important addition to the area’s visitor experiences that will attract more tourists to the region while also promoting longer stays.
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Interpretive signs will be installed to encourage cultural learning opportunities for trail users.
“The initiative offers residents a safe and accessible link from Toquat’s community to employment opportunities at the campground, marina, and ongoing infrastructure projects at Secret Beach,” the funding announcement reads. “Inspired by the West Coast Trail Guardians program, the Nation plans to create employment for building and maintaining the trail network. Collectively, the trail will provide temporary and permanent jobs, while spurring additional opportunities in expanding and new tourism businesses.”
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