About HICEEC: Real Hornby - Hornby Island, BC, Canada

HICEEC - who we are

The purpose of HICEEC (pronounced "high seek") is to take leadership in developing and implementing solutions to social and economic issues facing the citizens of Hornby Island. Our mission is to foster a healthy, sustainable, resilient and diversified economy on the Island.

Building a foundation for our work

From 2002 to 2006 HICEEC undertook a series of in depth community projects to provide a solid foundation for community economic enhancement work:

The Community Vision, articulating how residents would like to see the various aspects of Island life in the year 2020, was created with strong community participation.
The Quality of Life report utilized local research and census data to provide some baseline information on community demographics and social and economic well-being.
The Economic Renewal process engaged the community in identifying, evaluating and prioritizing a wide range of possible projects.
The Community Marketing initiative thoroughly explored the Island's marketing needs and opportunities and established the realhornby community marketing agency.

This work contributed to a number of collective and individual projects being initiated and has guided our subsequent undertakings.

Recent and current activities

Housing

Lack of accessible year-round housing is inhibiting the development of home occupations (a cornerstone of Hornby's economy) and is contributing to a labour shortage and demographic imbalance that could impact the vitality and sustainability of our community. HICEEC has been working to increase the community's capacity to address this issue:

In 2006-7 a Community Round Table on Housing was facilitated by HICEEC and met regularly to explore community housing needs and solutions.
In 2007 HICEEC organized a major conference on Housing Solutions for Small Communities in April 2007 which involved over 100 experts, elected officials and community volunteers from throughout the region sharing information and ideas.
In 2008 this was followed up with a regional workshop on Community Land Trusts which provided an opportunity for ISLA and other organizations to learn more about what is involved in implementing this solution.
Also in 2008, HICEEC prepared a report on Enabling Secondary Accommodation Units in conjunction with the Affordability and Choice Today program.
In 2008-09 HICEEC commissioned a Housing Needs Assessment for Denman and Hornby Islands which will be an essential tool for establishing partnerships to implement housing solutions.
In 2009 HICEEC worked with BC Housing towards establishing a Free Crown Grant for social housing on Hornby Island and assisted in the formation of a new housing organization to provide this housing.
Throughout, HICEEC has supported the Hornby organizations that are addressing housing through networking, sharing information and providing links to resources.

Tourism and off-season visitation

Tourism is a major element of Hornby Island's economy. It also presents challenges in terms of the annual “boom and bust” cycle, the stress it can put upon the Island at peak times and its vulnerability to external factors. HICEEC has been working with partners to help shape the kind of tourism that works best for Hornby Island.

In 2006, with the assistance of the Recreation and Tourism Research Institute (RTRI) at the University of Vancouver Island, HICEEC conducted a study of tourism on Hornby Island which included surveys of visitors and residents. A resulting report, Gem of the Gulf: Community Based Tourism on Hornby Island has been published by RTRI.
In 2007, HICEEC undertook a Community Tourism Project (Phase 1) which involved consultation with businesses and other entities to establish marketing objectives and beginning promotion activities.
In 2008, HICEEC initiated a Visit Hornby in the Spring campaign with advertising and promotion and conducted a visitor exit survey.
In 2009, the Community Tourism Project (Phase 2) was carried out including extensive marketing, a summer visitors' centre and support for community organizations' promotional efforts (including the Studio Guide).

Community Marketing

Marketing is a key element in the success of community businesses, most of which are home-based. The Community Marketing Initiative of 2006, lead to the creation of realhornby, a community marketing service based upon sustaining Island values. On-going activities include:

A regularly updated web-site which enables residents, seasonal residents and visitors to stay connected with Hornby Island and all it has to offer.
An electronic mailing list of people interested in the Island which is used to send out a quarterly newsletter highlighting seasonal events and profiling island businesses and artists.
Outreach activities, including a presence at the Farmers' Market and other community events.
Marketing assistance to island organizations and small businesses.

Transportation

Transportation is a significant economic factor in island living. HICEEC continues to explore ways to address transportation options and costs.

In partnership with Renewable Energy Denman Island, HICEEC established and hosts Island Rideshare, a web-based service to enabled shared solutions for both short and long trips.
HICEEC monitors and addresses ferry service issues, including escalating costs.
HICEEC has been exploring options for a possible bus service across Denman.
Other transportation options (such as Car Stops) are researched.

Business and community support

HICEEC provides support to businesses and community organizations in a variety of ways:

Links to resources and funding opportunities
Workshops and training opportunities (including on-island opportunities plus support for attending off-island events)
Information and consultation
Administrative support for community processes

Possible future activities

Farming and food production is an important economic sector with respect to community resilience. HICEEC expects this issue to be an important focus in future work. HICEEC is also maintaining a watching brief on the challenges and opportunities presented by Hornby Island becoming a naturally occurring retirement community. HICEEC is also poised to respond to emerging issues of importance to the community.

Our organization

The Board: The current directors of HICEEC are Daniel Siegel (Chair), John Heinegg, Paul Clemens, Lynne Carmichael, Matthew Fredbeck and Richard Laskin. Gerald Hodge is a honourary director in recognition of his extensive service to the organization.

Funding: HICEEC currently receives core funding of $25,000 under contract from the Comox Valley Regional District to provide economic development services. Additional funding for programs is obtained through grant applications.

Membership: HICEEC welcomes new members and is always interested in hearing ideas and perspectives from Hornby residents and visitors. Contact us at ceec@telus.net

Real Hornby

About HICEEC