TOFINO, BC – The District of Tofino has voiced significant alarm following the British Columbia government’s decision to reject a proposal for a new, state-of-the-art “Campus of Care” to replace the town’s aging hospital. The current Tofino General Hospital was originally constructed in 1954 to serve a population of just 400 people. Today, it remains the primary healthcare hub for thousands of residents, including several local First Nations and a massive seasonal influx of tourists, many of whom believe the facility is no longer equipped to handle the region’s growing needs.
The Ministry of Infrastructure reportedly dismissed the ambitious “Campus of Care” model, citing a need to reduce project costs. The provincial government’s current stance is that the replacement should be a smaller building that maintains existing service levels without adding the expanded facilities originally requested. This decision has sparked a backlash from local leaders who argue that the ministry is prioritizing budget constraints over the fundamental healthcare rights of the West Coast community, particularly regarding long-term and specialized care.
Tofino Mayor Dan Law has been a vocal critic of the government’s scaled-back vision, emphasizing that the new facility must include essential services such as maternity care and palliative support. Mayor Law stated that residents should have the right to be born and to die with dignity within their own community, rather than being forced to travel long distances for basic life events. The Mayor, along with Indigenous leaders and community representatives, is now preparing for a delegation to Victoria to directly lobby provincial officials to reconsider the scope of the project.
While the Ministry of Infrastructure has indicated that it is currently working with Island Health to “refine” and “sustainably” update the proposal, local officials remain skeptical. They argue that a “like-for-like” replacement of the 70-year-old building fails to account for the unique geographical isolation of the area. As discussions continue, the community remains steadfast in its demand for a facility that reflects the modern reality of the West Coast, ensuring that healthcare infrastructure keeps pace with the population it serves.
