Economic Development

Economic Development Office

The Economic Development Officer (EDO) is a core function of the Regional District of Mount Waddington’s (RDMW) Economic Development service, responsible for driving industry development, facilitating value chain creation, and advancing market diversification throughout the region.

Reporting to the Chief Administrative Officer, the EDO leads strategic initiatives that strengthen the region’s economic base by identifying opportunities, engaging partners, and executing programs that support both emerging and established sectors. The EDO ensures alignment with Board priorities and collaborates with internal and external stakeholders to generate tangible economic outcomes.

Core Functions Within the Service

• Industry Development and Diversification: Identifies, evaluates, and supports the growth of key industries within the RDMW, with a focus on building competitive, sustainable, and export-oriented sectors.
• Value Chain Creation: Facilitates the integration and expansion of regional supply chains by identifying gaps, fostering collaboration, and enabling investment in infrastructure and services needed to build complete value chains.
• Market Expansion and Investment Readiness: Positions the region competitively to access new markets and attract investment. Supports local businesses in scaling operations and facilitates strategic promotion of regional assets.
• Strategic Planning and Execution: Leads delivery of the regional economic development strategy and implements Board-mandated initiatives with measurable outcomes.
• Stakeholder Engagement and Partnership Building: Builds and maintains partnerships with municipalities, First Nations, industry stakeholders, institutions, and government bodies to align economic development activities.
• Funding Acquisition and Program Delivery: Secures and administers funding from external sources to support priority initiatives and deliver regionally responsive programs.
• Research and Sector Intelligence: Conducts market research and sector analysis to support evidence-based economic planning and investment readiness.
• Committee and Board Support: Supports the Economic Development Commission and other working groups by preparing reports, facilitating meetings, and implementing Board direction.
• Operational Oversight and Reporting: Oversees economic development contractors, manages budgets, and provides regular reporting to the CAO and Board on project performance, risks, and strategic alignment

Current Projects and Strategic Initiatives

The EDO is actively managing or supporting the following initiatives as part of the broader economic development strategy:

• EV Charger Infrastructure Initiative: Regional expansion of electric vehicle charging infrastructure to support low-emission transportation and attract clean technology investment.
• Digital Marketing and Communications Strategy:
  • Development and delivery of a regional branding and communications plan, including:
  • Launch of the new RDMW website
  • Integration of the MyVancouverIslandNorth rural attraction platform
  • Social media management and coordinated digital outreach
• Economic Development Strategy Planning: Creation of a new economic development strategy that supports sustainable industry growth, diversification, and regional competitiveness.
• Multiplex Initiative: Planning and feasibility assessment of a multi-use regional facility to support housing, workforce attraction, and community development.
• Seaweed Industry Development Plan (SIDP): Targeted initiative to build a viable seaweed industry through infrastructure development, value-added processing, market development, and regulatory alignment.
• Continuous Service Optimization: Ongoing review of programs to improve efficiency, enhance service delivery, and phase out low-impact or non-essential projects in alignment with strategic priorities.

Rural Tourism Action Grant Programs

The Regional District of Mount Waddington (RDMW) offers 2025 Rural Tourism Action Grant Programs to assist rural communities in increasing tourism activity, improving visitor experience, and supporting local events and festivals. These programs are funded by a 3% accommodation room tax levied in Electoral Areas A, B, C, D, and the Village of Port Alice, with over 50% of the revenue supporting the Vancouver Island North Tourism Association’s regional marketing efforts. The remaining revenue is available for community organizations to fund trailhead signage, festival and event marketing, and community tourism development and promotion.

There are three grant programs available:

• Trail Enhancement Program: Provides up to $5,000 for improvements to existing trails (with matching funds, up to 50% in-kind) and up to $10,000 annually for the production and installation of up to four trailhead information signs.
• Festivals and Events Program: Offers up to $5,000 in matching funds for marketing materials targeting out-of-region consumers. Festivals and events can receive funding for a maximum of two consecutive years.
• Community Tourism Program: Provides up to $5,000 in matching funds (half of which can be in-kind contributions) for community projects that enhance the tourism experience. Capital expenditures or ongoing operational costs are not eligible.

Eligible applicants include community organizations, service clubs, not-for-profit societies and enterprises, the Village of Port Alice, and First Nations governments within the bylaw area. Projects must substantially benefit communities within the bylaw area and be supported by the electoral area director. Proposals benefiting Port Hardy, Port McNeill, and/or Alert Bay are also eligible, subject to matching contributions from these jurisdictions.

Applications for the 2025 Tourism Grant Program are available at the RDMW office or for download from their website. Applications will be accepted until September 30, 2025, and projects must be completed within one year of funding approval. A final report, including financial statements, invoices, and a description of outcomes, must be submitted by December 31, 2025.

Resources and Links

2024 Labour market study

Seaweed Industry Development Plan (SIDP)

Rural Tourism Action Grant Programs (RTAG)