Sunshine Coast, BC – June 17, 2024 – Sunshine Coast Tourism (SCT) is proud to announce the completion of significant upgrades to the Big Tree Recreation Area in Halfmoon Bay, enriching the visitor experience and safeguarding the natural and cultural heritage of the Sunshine Coast. These improvements were made possible through the generous support of the Province of BC’s Targeted Regional Tourism Development Initiative (TRTDI).
The TRTDI, part of StrongerBC: BC’s Economic Recovery Plan, provided $300,000 to Sunshine Coast Tourism to support several vital tourism infrastructure projects within the Sunshine Coast and qathet Regional Districts. One of these projects included crucial maintenance and rehabilitation at the Big Tree Recreation Area, highlighting tourism leaders’ push for sustainable destination management.
“The enhancements at the Big Tree site underscore our commitment to sustainable tourism development and honouring the cultural significance of this area,” said Annie Wise, Executive Director, SCT. “Visitors now have better access and facilities to connect with the Sunshine Coast's natural beauty and rich cultural heritage, while our efforts ensure that tourism is managed in a way that benefits the entire community.”
This project was a collaboration between Sunshine Coast Tourism, Recreation Sites and Trails BC, Sunshine Coast Community Forest, the Sunshine Coast Regional District, and the shíshálh Nation. Together, they upgraded the trail and picnic area to meet accessibility standards, installed new washrooms, an interpretive sign and trail map, and protected sensitive cultural heritage.
Sara Zieleman, Executive Director, Sunshine Coast Community Forest said, "Recreation has been a longstanding priority of the Sunshine Coast Community Forest, and we contribute each year to maintaining and improving recreational access, to trail maintenance, and directly to recreation user groups. Working on this project with supportive partners and this grant really allowed us to be part of an outstanding project, well beyond what we could have accomplished alone with our staff time and budget for recreation. Our success in making positive contributions to forest-based recreation on the Sunshine Coast comes from collaboration, and this is a shining example of that."
For media inquiries or to arrange an interview, please contact Andrea Wickham-Foxwell at
media@sunshinecoastcanada.com.


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Sunshine Coast Tourism (SCT) is a non-profit destination marketing organization (DMO) established in 2008 to promote and manage BC’s Sunshine Coast as an unparalleled destination for discerning travellers. The organization’s mandate is to cultivate a sustainable year-round tourism economy while protecting and respecting the region’s natural environment and cultural diversity. SCT is committed to facilitating the evolution of the Sunshine Coast as a travel destination that is consistent with the values of its Indigenous communities, residents, local businesses, and stakeholders across the region.
Andrea Wickham-Foxwell
Manager, Communications
778-861-7486
media@sunshinecoastcanada.com
www.sunshinecoastcanada.com