January 21st, 2008

Lodge Upgrades Underway.

This past October work got underway, on a major upgrade to our 3 Story Lodge Building. Originally constructed in 1990, using wood windows and wood siding over the years the harsh west coast winter environment started to cause some issues with some exposed sections of the building. With the help of Cornerstone Architecture, Vic Van Isle Construction and our own maintenance team work should hopefully be completed by April 08. The building is completely wrapped and protected from the Winter Rains which not only allows work to be done through out the winter months, but it also helps to reduces noise and disruption to guests occupying adjacent buildings. Click here for more information on the upgrades being completed and an artist's rendition of the new Lodge!

Pacific Sands Recognized for Achievement

At a recent awards dinner hosted by Grant Thornton and the Canadian Association of Family Enterprise (CAFÉ) Pacific Sands Resort was awarded first place for Vancouver Island Businesses in 2007. Pacific Sands was recognized for their ongoing commitment to the Environment (Rainwater Collection System, Geo Exchange Heating System) as well as their pro-active approach to family business succession planning. Mr. Bill Pettinger senior recently lost his short battle with cancer and passed away in August 07. Prior to any knowledge of his terminal illness Bill Senior, along with the three boys Bill Jr, Rick and Dave developed a long term strategy to ensure the family business had a binding and acceptable succession plan in place.

• View press release - [PDF 126KB]

Pacific Sands Brings introduces more Pet Friendly Rooms for 2008.

The demand for more of our K-9 friends to bring their owners up and romp around the expansive shores of Cox Bay has increased once again. Effective Jan 2008, we now have 4 Villas and 6 Light House Suites dedicated as Pet Friendly Suites. Click here to view our Pet Policy and when making your reservation please let our Guest Agent know that you intend to bring along your pet. Please be advised that pets are only permitted in designated Suites and this policy is strictly enforced.

September 18th, 2006

Dear Friends,

It gives me great pleasure to announce that due to recent heavy rain fall on the West Coast of Vancouver Island, the District of Tofino has removed the strict water ban that has been in place since late August. We wish to thank all of our guests who have been so understanding and cooperative during this prolonged period of draught.

On behalf of the entire Pettinger family and all of our Guest Services Team I hope that you will find the time to come and visit us again soon.
Regards.

Dave Pettinger
General Manager


September 15th, 2006

Dear Friends,

As a past guest of Pacific Sands I thought you might appreciate a quick update on the happenings of Tofino and our water issue in case you (or others you know) are planning a visit to the west coast this fall and may now be uncertain about your travel plans. Below is a news release from Tourism Tofino, which I am now a director of. Hopefully we will see some of you this fall or winter.
Regards.

Dave Pettinger
General Manager


A quick recap:
The summer of 2006 can now be officially dubbed the “drought in a rainforest” summer! The dry summer weather provided many great days on the beaches, but it also impacted our local water supply levels, and with construction yet to commence on our new reservoir, Tofino started to run out of water. During the last week of August, water conservation in Tofino became a top news story across the nation when businesses were asked to close in order to maintain water levels for fire protection and residential use. However, within three days, several strategies had been implemented which allowed businesses to remain open with water restrictions in place. So, contrary to many stories out there, Tofino continues to welcome visitors from across the globe and local businesses are open - albeit with some changes in operations in order to meet water conservation guidelines. (For example, restaurants are not serving tap water with meals, coffee/teas are being made with bottled water and accommodation providers have omitted daily towel service and have reduced/restricted use of Jacuzzi tubs, Ice Machines, Guest Laundry & Outside Showers)


In addition to implementing numerous water reduction measures, Tofino’s beach resorts and most hotels and restaurants were quick to set up their own water sources allowing them to continue to provide services to visitors while ensuring the residential water supply is not depleted. Other businesses, such as B&Bs, wildlife tour operators, surf schools, fishing charter operators, vacation rental properties etc are all in operation with self-imposed regulations, and many have also set up their own independent water sources.


So what’s happening now?
Water restrictions are still very much in effect for residents, businesses and visitors alike and will continue to be until the area receives a substantial amount of rain. It is safe to say that we all quickly became much more aware of our water use, and are now all “wiser with our water”.……“We were happy to do our bit and forego a bath for a quick shower” declared visitors from Edmonton…….. “Nice to see everyone working together through your water problem. Thanks for providing the bottled water in our room” said others. Travelers who have come to experience Tofino and follow the water conservation measures are having a great time and are very much enjoying our west coast hospitality and scenery.


September and October are pretty spectacular months in the Clayoquot Sound area. The opportunity to experience Tofino’s breathtaking natural surroundings, art galleries, wildlife viewing tours, charter fishing, kayaking, golfing, and numerous beaches for surfing and beachcombing is readily available. You will also find that with kids “back to school” that some services, particularly accommodations, are now offering their “value season” or “non-peak” rates. These offerings can make it more affordable to do more while you’re here, or extend your stay another night or two.


The community of Tofino would be pleased to host you, your family or corporate group this fall for a memorable and enjoyable west coast retreat. The Westcoast Maritime Festival is September 22-25 and includes several family activities, and the Public Market happens each Saturday morning. With the drier than normal conditions, migration timing of most Salmon runs has been substantially delayed for our local waters. The strong forecasted returns for many Salmon stocks along B.C.’s southern coast, and later than normal timing should allow for great Chinook and Coho Salmon fishing through to early October. As well, the trail systems in the Pacific Rim National Park are all in great condition as is the challenging Long BeachGolf course. Canadian Thanksgiving is a popular weekend for Tofino so remember to book early for those dates or check your kids’ school schedule for their upcoming Pro-D days and plan one of those weekends your next Tofino getaway. For some West Coast cuisine you can check out Tofino’s 10 AnnualOysterfest November 17 -18. By then, we’ll all be donning our raingear for some fabulous Stormwatching, which will certainly make summer water restrictions a thing of the past.


Each accommodation provider will have individual water conservation guidelines in place for the next little while so once you have made your travel plans it would be a good idea to inquire as to what restrictions you need to be aware of. (ie. Taps for footbath at beach access turned off)


Should you have questions, require more travel information or wish to receive additional updates please go on-line to www.tourismtofino.com Thank you for your past patronage, and we look forward to welcoming you again soon……

Tuesday April 18th, 2006		FOURTH ANNUAL TOFINO FOOD AND WINE FESTIVAL The 4th Annual Tofino Food and Wine festival is a joint fundraiser for Tofino's Lighthouse Trail and the Tofino Botanical Gardens. This is a well attended weekend of events, not to be missed by anyone who loves great food and wine. The festival is dedicated to being exclusive to BC wines and promotes Vancouver Island food puveyirs with the talents of local chefs.