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:

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

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 inbalance that could impact the vitality and sustainability of our community.

HICEEC is working to increase the community's capacity to address this issue. 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 followed up on two solutions that emerged from this conference through an Affordability and Choice Today project which generated a report on Secondary Accommodation Units and by organizing a regional workshop on Community Land Trusts with support from the Real Estate Foundation of BC.

HICEEC facilitated a Community Round Table on Housing which has lead to a grant from BC Housing to conduct a Housing Needs Assessment for Denman and Hornby islands. This assessment will help organizations such as Elder Housing and ISLA (Islanders Secure Land Association) plan to provide appropriate housing. HICEEC has provided support to these and other organizations by conducting research and providing information.

Tourism and off-season visitation

HICEEC has been working with the Recreation and Tourism Research Institute (RTRI) 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 in 2006. A resulting report, Gem of the Gulf: Community Based Tourism on Hornby Island, BC, has been published by RTRI. These and community consultations have generated draft strategies available to local businesses and organizations.

The main focus of these strategies is developing off-season tourism, particularly in the Spring. This is the focus of our tourism marketing. HICEEC is poised to work with businesses and organizations to promote activities and events in this season. We provide a way to keep visitors connected to the Island to encoourage repeat visits. A second focus is upon orienting summer visitors to the Island and the community.

Community Marketing

The Community Marketing Initiative of 2006, lead to the creation of realhornby, a community marketing sevice based upon sustaining Island values. HICEEC is developing the realhornby.com website as the primary community website, providing up-to-date information on events, activities and island life. realhornby also maintains an electronic mailing list, sending out 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 the capacity to co-ordinates collective events and promotions.

Transportation

HICEEC is beginning to focus upon transportation solutions. The cost of ferry service is a challenge and HICEEC has provided briefings on the economic and social consequences of steadily increasing tariffs. HICEEC has partnered with Renewable Energy Denman Island to set up Islands Rideshare, a web-based service that can be accessed through realhornby.com. A Transportation Solutions Forum is being planned for the fall of 2008 to provide information on alternatives and to explore integrated transportation options.

Food and farming

HICEEC is preparing for a future project to address the future of food and farming on Hornby Island.

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

Board

The current directors of HICEEC are Daniel Siegel, John Heinegg, Paul Clemens, Lynne Carmichael, Gerald Hodge, Matthew Fredbeck, Richard Laskin and Amber Boydell.

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