The village of Tahsis is thankful to recieve Community Economic Recovery Infrastructure Program (CERIP) to design and construct outdoor seating (benches & shelters) along popular pedestrian routes, local trails and municipal parks. These benches and shelters are intended to encourage older aged adults to walk more and improve village beautification.

As Tahsis recieves 4500mm of rain annually the shelters will provide protectionfrom the rain for pedestrians and trail hikers. This CERIP funding will provide employment for local residents impacted by tourism downturn by building 8 solid fir timber benches (with locally sourced Douglas fir) and 4 timber framed shelters with metal roofs which can accommodate 6 people. Hopefully these improvements can aid ability to acess public spaces and natural areas for residents or visitors to connect outdoors.

Our 2020 Official Community Plan states (OCP) "with an aging population accessibility will become an increasing challange. During the Tahsis Age Friendly community Action Plan from 2019 it was recommended that 8-10 piblic benches be strategically placed arou d main walking paths that connect the community. The action plan was developed from the "Global age-friendly cities guide" by the world health organization and by a community wide survey of seniors and older adults at two world cafes. Outdoor spaces and village beautification both ranked as high priorities that can showcase our quality natural environment and make wilderness accessible

This project will benefit our community by making it easier for those of us with mobility issues to take breaks while walking around the village. By enhancing the attractiveness of our small town recreational opportunities we can support socially progressive, environmentally sustainable economic development and recovery.

The economy in the village and regional areas of Tahsis, Zeballos, Tsaxana and Gold River has been hard hit by the global covid19 pandemic yet we know a more walkable rural atmosphere with acess to remote hiking aligns with direction from the Provincial Health Officer and the Vancouver Island Health Authority. Tourism based businesses suffered due to the U.S. border closure and fewer visitors from B.C. and the rest of Canada during the 2020 spring and summer.

Given our location, demographic profile and comitment to reconciliation efforts the village of Tahsis is grateful to the province, our Member of Legislative Assembly and CERIP funding for creating jobs and getting people back to work.

Special thanks to Michelle Babchuk and staff for taking the time to talk about age-friendly and accessibly action as it intersects with economic recovery infrastructure at the end of the road in our village of Tahsis.