News Release
Qathen Xwegus Management Corporation Receives REDIP Funding for Restaurant Redevelopment on Cortes Island
Cortes Island, B.C. – March 24, 2026 — Qathen Xwegus Management Corporation (QXMC) is pleased to announce it was successful in its application to the Rural Economic Diversification and Infrastructure Program (REDIP) in FY2024/25 through the Province of British Columbia. This investment will support the redevelopment of the restaurant at Gorge Harbour Marina Resort, an important tourism and community destination on Cortes Island.
The project will rebuild the restaurant to create a modern dining facility that highlights local food, supports community gatherings, and enhances the visitor experience for travellers who come ashore and stay awhile on Cortes Island. The restaurant will help extend the visitor season, offering an inviting space for guests to enjoy meals and spend time at the harbour.
Since the late 1960s, Gorge Harbour has been known not only as a marina but also as a place where boaters, visitors, and residents could gather to share a meal and spend time together. Rebuilding the restaurant will help restore that sense of place and bring back an important service that has been missed by many in the community.
"As Chief of the Klahoose First Nation, I’m proud to see this project move forward. Rebuilding the restaurant at Gorge Harbour will create local jobs, support tourism in Klahoose Territory, and help make Gorge Harbour Marina Resort and Cortes Island a vibrant destination. Success for us means strengthening our sovereignty, revitalizing our culture, and creating opportunities for the next generation. We look forward to welcoming everyone to Gorge Harbour." Chief Kevin Peacey
“The restaurant is a very important part of the life of Gorge Harbour,” said Marco Bedetti, General Manager of Qathen Xwegus Management Corporation. “For decades the harbour has been a gathering place for boaters, travellers, and the local community. Rebuilding the restaurant helps bring that atmosphere and social energy back to the harbour.”
The project is being developed by Klahoose First Nation through QXMC, the Nation’s economic development and business arm. For Klahoose, economic development focuses on creating sustainable businesses that support the community while respecting the lands and waters of Klahoose Territory.
Across British Columbia, Indigenous tourism has become one of the fastest growing sectors in the visitor economy. Projects like the redevelopment of the restaurant at Gorge Harbour Marina Resort support local communities while offering visitors unique experiences on Cortes Island.
“Indigenous tourism in British Columbia is growing rapidly, and projects like the Gorge Harbour restaurant redevelopment support local communities while offering visitors unique experiences on Cortes Island,” said Chris Tait, Tourism Manager at Qathen Xwegus Management Corporation.
“This investment allows us to rebuild the restaurant in a way that reflects the values of Klahoose First Nation, creating economic opportunities while welcoming guests to the territory,” Bedetti said. “It will be a place where locals and visitors can gather over fresh coastal food, live music, and stunning ocean views. While full year-round operations may begin later, the restaurant will help extend the visitor season and offer a warm, inviting environment that highlights the best of the region.”
The redevelopment will provide economic and social benefits for the region. In addition to strengthening Gorge Harbour as a destination, the restaurant will support other local businesses and create a welcoming gathering place for residents and visitors alike.
Restaurants play an important role in coastal communities, often becoming places where stories are shared, friendships are formed, and visitors experience the character of the region.
The project will also create new employment opportunities, particularly during the busy summer season, including positions in kitchen, service, and management roles. These opportunities will help provide valuable hospitality experience for residents and Klahoose members.
The restaurant redevelopment is part of a broader tourism vision to strengthen tourism across Klahoose-owned properties, including Klahoose Wilderness Resort, and to establish Gorge Harbour Marina Resort as a year-round destination, while the new restaurant will help extend the visitor season and enhance services for guests.
This project received $1 million in funding from the Province of British Columbia through REDIP, which supports economic diversification, infrastructure development, and job creation in rural and Indigenous communities across British Columbia.
Learn more and view the full list of funded projects here:
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/employment-business/economic-development/support-organizations-community-partners/rural-economic-development/redip/2024-25-funded-projects
Media Contact
Chris Tait
Tourism Manager
tourism_manager@qxmc.org
About Qathen Xwegus Management Corporation (QXMC)
QXMC is the economic development arm of the Klahoose First Nation, creating sustainable business opportunities that reflect Klahoose cultural values. Its portfolio includes tourism and hospitality enterprises such as Klahoose Wilderness Resort and Gorge Harbour Marina Resort. Learn more: www.qxmc.org
About Gorge Harbour Marina Resort
Located at Sa’y’ilh, the traditional name for Gorge Harbour on Cortes Island, Gorge Harbour Marina Resort offers marina services, accommodations, and camping in a sheltered harbour known as “two waters in one.” Owned by the Klahoose First Nation, the resort runs year-round and will soon expand with a new restaurant to enhance visitor experiences. Learn more: www.gorgeharbour.com
Qathen Xwegus Management Corporation Welcomes New Leadership Squirrel Cove, B.C., October 31, 2023
Qathen Xwegus Management Corporation (QXMC) is pleased to announce the appointment of Marco Bedetti as its new General Manager, effective immediately. Marco Bedetti brings a wealth of experience to the role, having had a long and successful history with the Gorge Harbour Marina Resort. He served as the Guest Service Manager from 2017 to 2022, and since June 2022, he has held positions as Operations Manager and Resort Manager. Marco's dedication to the transformation of the Gorge Harbour Marina Resort into a premier destination for boaters, glampers, and campers has been remarkable. Exciting developments on the horizon include the introduction of a new food truck for the 2024 season. Prior to his tenure in the Resort Industry, Marco enjoyed a successful career as an IT Specialist and Service Manager. He played a pivotal role in migrating our IT systems to a cloud-based platform that now serves the QXMC companies seamlessly. Marco's responsibilities will encompass Gorge Harbour Marina Resort, Klahoose Wilderness Resort, Klahoose Coastal Adventures, the Klahoose Sawmill, and Klahoose Aquaculture.
Notably, the Squirrel Cove Development will continue to report to the Chair, while Klahoose Forestry Operations will maintain their reporting structure to the Board.
Introducing Klahoose Wilderness Resort's New Manager
The QXMC Board is equally pleased to announce the appointment of Maciej Szarecki as the Resort Manager for Klahoose Wilderness Resort, our esteemed indigenous resort. Maciej initially joined us mid-season as the on-site Resort Manager, where he quickly made a positive impact, garnering consistent five-star ratings from our valued guests. Maciej brings a wealth of Tourism and Hospitality experience, having previously held positions as Lodge Manager with Canadian Mountain Holidays and Front Office Manager at numerous top-tier hotels. With the seasonal closure of the resort, Maciej will focus on fostering synergies between our resorts and planning for another outstanding season at Klahoose Wilderness Resort in 2024.
About Qathen Xwegus Management Corporation:
Qathen Xwegus Management Corporation (QXMC) is the Klahoose First Nations Economic Development Corporation, dedicated to advancing Klahoose's involvement in business, management, sustainable development, and opportunities within its traditional territory.
About Klahoose Wilderness Resort:
Klahoose Wilderness Resort is an award-winning eco-tourism destination nestled in the heart of British Columbia's Desolation Sound. As a 100% Indigenous-owned establishment by the Klahoose First Nation, this off-grid resort is surrounded by the breathtaking coastal rainforest and protected waters of the Salish Sea. The resort provides guests with a unique opportunity to reconnect with nature through an authentic Indigenous experience, offering all-inclusive wildlife viewing and cultural packages.
