Campers, kayakers and tourism operators will benefit from a new campground and kayak launch site opening at Secret Beach today, thanks to a one-of-a-kind agreement between B.C. and Toquaht Nation.

The Secret Beach Campground has 63 new campsites and a kayak launch with 10 parking spots, and is located just south of the former Toquaht Marina and Campground Ltd.

The grand opening, and the completion of the campground's permanent structures, is expected in spring 2014. For now, sewage disposal and comfort station infrastructure is temporary and water is being trucked in.

Secret Beach Campground is owned by Toquaht Nation and is operated by Toquaht Marina and Campground Ltd. The lands where the campsites and kayak launch are located are part of Toquaht Nation's treaty lands under the Maa-nulth treaty, which took effect in April 2011.

The original Toquaht Marina and Campground Ltd. is a former forest recreation site developed for public recreation after the closure of the Brynnor Mine in the late 1960s.

The Toquaht Bay marina, campground and boat launch were closed in March due to high levels of arsenic and other metals that exceed standards. Detailed remediation at that site is ongoing and the area is expected to remain closed throughout the winter.

Development of the new site is being funded through a shared-cost arrangement between B.C. and Toquaht Nation. This partnership is the first of its kind and will help to promote local tourism and provide access for kayakers and local outfitters.

Quotes:

Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation John Rustad -

"It is wonderful news for local residents, campers and kayakers alike that the Secret Beach facilities are now operational, only five months after the original site closed."

"I am extremely pleased and proud of the co-operation and respect that has characterized the relationship between British Columbia and Toquaht Nation in order to have this recreation site ready for the public while summer is still in full swing."

Toquaht Nation Chief Anne Mack -

"The Toquaht Nation would like to thank the Province of B.C. for supporting our new development, the Secret Beach Campground. Our Toquaht Marina and Campground Ltd. was closed in March due to the discovery of environmental contamination. The new Secret Beach Campground has been under design for over two years and will allow us to continue to participate in the local tourism economy."

"We gratefully acknowledge the support of the Province of British Columbia, as it has allowed us to fast-track the construction of this new facility that I believe the entire region will be proud of."

Majestic Ocean Kayaking owner Tracy Eeftink -

"We appreciate the work done by the Toquaht Nation to provide us with a kayak launch site that allows access to Barkley Sound."

"When we lost the ability to launch our tours from Toquaht Marina and Campground Ltd., we were cut off from access to the popular Broken Group Islands. There were no other suitable places that offered a safe and sheltered launch area for kayakers. The Province of B.C. reacted to local concerns regarding lost tourism income and worked out a solution with the Toquaht Nation. We have been able to launch kayaks from the Toquaht Nation's community of Macoah in the interim while the permanent Secret Beach site is being set up in a most idyllic location."

Learn More:

For more information about Toquaht Marina and Campground Ltd., please visit: http://www.toquahtbay.com/

Contacts:

Robin Platts
Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation
250 387-1204

Gary Johnsen
Director of Business Operations
Toquaht Marina and Campground Ltd.
250 726-8349