Business Services

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The Why, What, and When of Business Services

Small businesses are the engines of Hornby's economy and the key to our future. As we look ahead, many will undergo succession as longtime owners retire, while new businesses will emerge to meet evolving needs and fill gaps. HICEEC, contracted by the Comox Valley Regional District, provides economic development services for Hornby Island, with annual budgets approved accordingly. As a Canadian not-for-profit, we are committed to leveraging funds effectively while minimizing costs to taxpayers. We gratefully acknowledge financial support from Destination B.C., Island Coastal Economic Trust, Northern Development Initiative Trust, and the Provincial Government Rural Economic Diversification & Infrastructure Program. Special thanks to local volunteers, businesses, and organizations for their roles in supporting HICEEC's initiatives, and to MLA Josie Osborne for championing local projects and funding.

Key Collaborations and Programs Supporting Businesses:

1. Improved Internet Access: Following a 2015 business summit, HICEEC prioritized enhancing internet service on Hornby Island. Collaborating with Telus, we facilitated significant improvements, including a new hub at Central and Sandpiper in March 2018. Despite Telus’s decision to halt further investments, HICEEC identified a new service provider and secured provincial funding, ensuring that Hornby Island will have a full, in-ground fibre optic network by 2025. More information is available at www.hornbydenmaninternet.com.

2. Public Transportation: In partnership with the Hornby Island Outdoor Education Centre, HICEEC launched a community summer bus service in 2017, running successful pilot projects in 2017, 2018, and 2019. After a pause due to COVID-19 in 2020, service resumed in 2021. This initiative is funded by local businesses, HICEEC, and the Comox Valley Regional District Transit. More details can be found at www.HornbyBus.com.

3. In November 2021, the carrying capacity of the aging Hornby ferry was downgraded to the equivalent of a 21-car capacity. In response to the resulting disruptions to the supply chain and resident inconvenience, HICEEC staffer Karen Ross took a spot on the Hornby Denman Ferry Advisory Committee (FAC). By January 2023, she became Chair. Through intense lobbying, collaborations with "Sea Dogs," and island researchers, the FAC successfully secured the deployment of the larger ferry, the Quinitsa (44-car capacity), to Hornby for part of the year. Additionally, the second leg of the journey from Vancouver Island to Hornby, Buckley Bay to Denman Island, received midweek supplemental service during July and August. These changes resulted in significantly improved ferry service, a trend that will hopefully continue until the service is available every day of the week, year-round. The lobbying continues. 

3. Ferry Advocacy:
Reliable ferry service is a lifeline for Hornby Island, a remote, ferry-dependent community where residents and businesses rely on the timely transport of goods, services, and people. In November 2021, the carrying capacity of the aging Hornby ferry was downgraded to just 21 cars, causing major disruptions to the supply chain and creating significant inconvenience for residents. In response, the Hornby Denman Ferry Advisory Committee (FAC), supported by community efforts including a 2,000-name petition, undertook intense lobbying and collaboration with “Sea Dogs”, local advocates and researchers.

These efforts successfully secured the deployment of the larger Quinitsa ferry (44-car capacity) for part of the year, along with midweek supplemental service between Buckley Bay and Denman Island during peak months. These changes have greatly improved ferry service, reducing wait times and ensuring more reliable transport of goods and people. However, work continues to achieve year-round, daily service to fully meet the community’s needs, recognizing that dependable ferry service is crucial for Hornby's sustainability and well-being.

4. Advocacy and Support: HICEEC advocates for community projects that support business development, including arts initiatives, a community garden & food processing hub, housing support, ferry service improvements, and other projects that strengthen the local economy.

5. Workforce Housing: HICEEC identified the Provincial Municipal & District Taxation (MRDT) program, a 3% tax paid by visitors to fixed-roof accommodations, as a source of funding for affordable workforce housing. Through successful implementation of the MRDT program, HICEEC will access funding to support affordable workforce housing. In 2024, a grant was received from the Rural Economic Diversification & Infrastructure Program to fund the creation of a business and development plan once a project site has been secured.

6. Community Marketing: To support local businesses and promote tourism, HICEEC develops strategies focused on the shoulder season economy. We produce the annual Hornby/Denman Visitor Guide, manage the community website at www.hornbyisland.com, and maintain an events calendar at www.hornbyisland.com/events. Our active social media presence under #hornbyisland and #myhornbystory highlights local attractions and events.

We also operate the Welcome Centre at the Farmers' Market each summer.

7. Green Initiatives: HICEEC, in partnership with First Credit Union, provides a public Electric Vehicle Charging Station to promote sustainable energy use.

8. Business Excellence Awards: We celebrate local business achievements with an annual award, nominated by the community and presented at our Fall Business Mixer. The winning business holds a trophy for one year, with nominations reopened annually.

9. Micro-lending and Business Support: HICEEC facilitates micro-lending services to support new business start-ups and expansions. Our experienced staff, including Karen Ross, who has over 40 years of experience in Hornby’s business community, are available to provide guidance and support.

10. Stay Connected: Keep informed through our private Facebook group, the Hornby Business Network, monthly reports in the First Edition newspaper, and by attending our Spring and Fall Business Mixers.

For more information or to reach out, contact karen@hiceec.org.