Tofino Mayor Dan Law is calling on the British Columbia provincial government to rethink its decision to reject a new hospital project that would help ease pressure on healthcare services in Port Alberni, British Columbia. The proposed plan for Tofino was meant to include emergency, long-term, and hospice care, but the province recently turned down the expanded model. Mayor Law argues that the project is necessary to meet the needs of staff and residents living across the West Coast.
This request comes while the intensive care unit at West Coast General Hospital in Port Alberni has faced indefinite closures since late 2025. These service disruptions are caused by a shortage of specialized doctors and nurses, which forces some patients to be moved to other cities. Local leaders believe that increasing medical capacity in Tofino would help reduce the number of patients who have to be sent to Port Alberni for care.
The board of directors at Island Health originally approved the expanded hospital plan before the provincial health ministry decided not to move forward. The province instead favours a simpler replacement that does not add new services like long-term care beds. Mayor Law stated that the ambitious plan was based on the specific needs expressed by medical staff and the local community.
The Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District is also supporting the push for the new facility. Residents are encouraged to watch for updates from the province, as current staffing issues often impact emergency capacity and critical care. Local leaders continue to argue that the current system is not sustainable for the growing population and high number of tourists in the region.
