Tahsis, British Columbia

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Tahsis, British Columbia, Canada

Motto:
Tahsis, British Columbia, Canada.
Census division
Regional District	Comox-Strathcona
Area:	5.73 km²
Founded
Incorporated	1970
Population Village Population	366 (2006)
Population density	63.9/km²
Time zone	Pacific: UTC -8
Postal code span
Latitude Longitude	49°55′33″N, 126°37′16″W
Elevation	m MSL
Highways	Highway 19
Waterways	Pacific Ocean
Mayor
Governing body	Tahsis Village Council
1(sc) According to the Canada 2001 Census. 2(gr) Geographic references.

Coordinates: 49°55′33″N, 126°37′16″W Tahsis is a village on the west coast of Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada, about 300 km (by air) northwest of Victoria at 49°55′33″N, 126°37′16″W.

The village is situated at the head of the steep-sided Tahsis Inlet (part of Nootka Sound), and is home to about 400 residents.

Historically a forestry-dependent community, Tahsis is rapidly becoming known for its outdoor recreation and tourism potential.

Contents 1 History 2 First Nations 3 Events 4 References 5 External links

[edit] History

While First Nations peoples have inhabited the area for over 4000 years, Europeans first visited Tahsis in 1774 (Spanish) and 1778 (English).

In the 1930's many companies tried unsuccessfully to open mill operations on the west coast of Vancouver Island. There were several advantages to building at Tahsis: there was a level plateau at the head of the inlet with easy deep-sea access for ocean going vessels. The site faced southeast, getting maximum sunlight to protect the freshly cut lumber from mold due to the rains.

In 1937 Nootka Wood Products Limited started operations at what was initially called "Port Tasis". This name was chosen by Nootka Wood Products in loose consultation with local First Nations. At the time, Nootka Wood Products was cutting approximately 150,000 feet of lumber daily, all for export.^[1]

Subsequently, a Tahsis mill was built by the Gibson Brothers in 1945. It burned down in 1948, but in January 1949, Gibson Mills and East Asiatic Company formed a partnership (Tahsis Company) and by April a new mill was back in production. Today the mill is owned by Canadian Pacific Forest Products.

Tahsis remained a company community until it was incorporated as a municipality in 1970. A road connecting Tahsis with Gold River was completed in 1972. Until that time the village was accessible only by boat or aircraft.

In Tahsis's heyday the population was roughly 2,500. With the closure and dismantling of the mill the population declined to 892, according to the 2001 census. As of 2006, the population is approximately 300, with fewer than 50 students from Kindergarten to Grade 12.

[edit] First Nations

The members of the Mowachaht/Muchalaht, Nuchatlaht and Ehattesaht First Nations are the Nuu-chah-nulth speaking tribes whose traditional territories included all of the area known today as Nootka Sound. The Nootka Sound First Nations' territories are bounded on the north by those of the Ka;’yu;k’t’h’/Che;k’tles7et’h’ First nation, and on the south by those of the Hesquiaht First Nation.

Archaeological evidence confirms the occupation of the region by the First Nations people to be in excess of 4,200 years.

[edit] Events

• The Great Walk (June) [1]
• Tahsis Days (July)

[edit] References

1. ^ "Port Tasis Newest West Coast Centre". Vancouver Province. 1 November, 1937. p.21

[edit] External links

• Village of Tahsis
• Tahsis Chamber of Commerce