About HICEEC - Real Hornby

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.

HICEEC has undertaken 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 has contributed to a number of collective and individual projects being initiated.

HICEEC’s current work program is focused upon these activities:

Housing and work space

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. We are organizing regular Round Table meetings on Hornby to bring together community groups and individuals with an interest in housing to move solutions forward. HICEEC will be conducting a needs survey, developing a housing strategy and providing research and other support to organizations working on housing issues. We will also be looking at setting up a Community Trades and Services Area and other ways to provide appropriate work space for island small businesses and crafts.

Tourism and off-season visitation

HICEEC has been working with the Recreation and Tourism Research Institute at Malaspina University- College and with other partners to look at how to enhance the tourism experience on Hornby for both visitors and residents. We conducted surveys of visitors and residents. These and community consultation formed the basis for draft strategies with a focus upon off-season visitors. This information is available to local businesses and organizations.

Community Marketing

Following up on the Community Marketing Initiative of 2006, HICEEC is incubating Realhornby Island Promotions, as a marketing agency based upon sustaining community values. Realhornby is developing its website and a regular electronic newsletter to enable people near and far to continue and deepen their connection with Hornby Island, its people, its events and the art, services, products and experiences it has to offer. Realhornby also offers marketing services to individual artists, artisans and businesses and co-ordinates collective events and promotions.

General economic enhancement activities

In addition, HICEEC provides on-going business support, conducts research and works closely with community partners in support of the community vision. HICEEC welcomes new members and is always interested in hearing ideas and perspectives from Hornby residents and visitors. Contact us at ceec@telus.net