Tofino and its Community
by Adam Buskard, Tofino

Really? 2003 – It's over? And I was just starting to get into the groove of it. What a year! With the bully just south of us acting without a brain and the cows up here losing theirs I found myself so happy to be here with you on this side of the pass. It was quite a year, I think it might have had the most moving and shaking I've seen in this town in my time. We had new places to eat popping up all around us and Chesterman's got eaten right out from under us. The sun seemed to just shine and shine we almost forgot what a winter was and then this one hit hard as if to remind us.

I used to dread the onset of winter here and now I look forward to it as a solace from the manic summer season. The break seems to go so fast now, before we know it it's March break again and the whole process starts over.

I'd like to congratulate everyone on a successful year and especially all the new businesses and ventures that had their first season. 2003 could almost be called the year of sobo. That little purple truck with Lisa and Artie cook'n up inside of it really turned some heads, winning awards and accolades left right and centre. Then there's Jisele Martin who won the "Youth Achievement Award" from the Aboriginal Tourism Board of B.C. for her hard work and leadership in running Tla-ook Cultural Adventures. We were amazed to see the transformation that the Shelter crew performed on the old Crab Bar building and love what they have added to the Tofino dinning experience. It's been a bit of a sporting activity watching the Cedar Corner building come together. We commend them for taking the care in their development that we haven't seen before. The Roxy/Quicksilver surf comp was another great success and we are amazed to see what a force surfing has become within the community and the tourism sector.

May 2004 hold health, happiness and prosperity for you all and thank you again to all who helped us to put out Tofino Time.