The evolution of a coastal community: power relations and tourism geographies in Tofino, British Columbia

Tofino, on Vancouver Island’s west coast, has experienced periods of intense community conflict regarding tourism development. The research considers the question: how have the relations of power affected the re-configuration of space, place and the environment in the resort community of Tofino, British Columbia? Tourism geography, encompassing aspects of place, space and the environment, is related to power relations through an operational framework. Employing key informant interviews and secondary data sources to examine power relations, local politics and resources control, stakeholder values and tensions are revealed. The research offers insights into the politics of tourist places, with respect to the ways that power relations are exercised – for example, through power tactics of domination, manipulation, cooperation or negotiation.