Small communities with tourist economies like Salt Spring Island and Tofino face many challenges and opportunities. How does tourism affect small communities? Can such communities thrive year-round? Can they provide “living wage” jobs? Can they be environmentally sustainable? What lessons can Salt Spring and Tofino learn from each other?
Join the Salt Spring Forum for a discussion about thriving and sustainable small communities with Josie Osborne, the Mayor of the District of Tofino, who was recently re-elected to a third term.
A self-described ‘community builder,’ Osborne grew up on Vancouver Island immersed in her parents’ small businesses and mentored in community service by them.
After completing university, Osborne moved to Tofino to pursue a career in marine biology and environmental education. Fifteen years later, she became a small business owner. She also chaired the board of Tofino’s destination marketing organization, Tourism Tofino.
As mayor of a progressive rural municipality, Osborne’s primary interests are governance, civic engagement and communication. In addition to her mayoral duties, Osborne currently chairs the board of the Island Coastal Economic Trust (ICET) while also serving on the BC Clean Growth and Climate Action Advisory Council.
Join Josie Osborne for a unique comparative perspective on small community governance, tourism, sustainable development, and more!