Today, we want to kick off a celebration of women who have helped transform Ucluelet into the unique community it is today by showcasing the phenomenal and ground-breaking work done at Black Rock Oceanfront Resort, the first of many stories to come.
Black Rock Oceanfront Resort is setting a new standard for sustainability with a Refillable and Zero Waste model that will minimize the resort’s ecological footprint, take a load off the landfill, reduce plastic waste, and support local entrepreneurs. Black Rock is one of the first resort’s in Canada to adopt such a model and has partnered with two forward-thinking and female-run small businesses in Ucluelet, The Den and Mint Cleaning, to make this dream a reality!
Located on a dramatic headland above the Pacific Ocean’s crashing waves, the Resort is surrounded by the Wild Pacific Trail and the rugged rocky coast of West Vancouver Island. Our stunning Ucluelet resort is minutes from Vancouver Island’s amazing beaches, forests, restaurants, and attractions, and the Long Beach Unit of the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve which includes Barkley Sound. Only 40 km from the village of Tofino.
“The Zero-Waste dream started with a conversation. It reflects how we feel about the natural environment and our desire to protect the rainforest and ocean,” says Adele Larkin, General Manager of Black Rock Oceanfront Resort. “It’s better for community, environment, visitors, and staff.”
Black Rock guests are now enjoying 100% refillable bathroom products supplied by The Den, including Oneka shampoo, conditioner, body wash, lotions, Cascades paper products, and Tru Earth laundry strips. Den co-owners Kristen O’Keefe and Diane Rudge call the partnership a win-win-win that supports the community, sustainability, and small business.
“We believe supporting local businesses is essential for the success of the community we live in. When everyone is striving in their individual pursuits, the greater community here feels that momentum,” O’Keefe says.
At the same time, Mint Cleaning, a cleaning service products company founded by two Ucluelet moms, provides:
- All-natural carpet deodorizer.
- Essential oil-based air freshener.
- All-purpose cleaner.
- Other earth-friendly biodegradable cleaning products.
It’s healthier for staff and visitors, knowing that all products have been selected with their well-being top of mind.
Forage is the newly opened in-house gift shop in partnership with The Den, Foggy Bean Coffee Company, Ocean Pet Supplies, and other boutique Ucluelet businesses. It’s the perfect place for Black Rock guests to find a sustainable piece of the West Coast to take home.
“As a tourism destination, we all recognize that the reason people come here is because they enjoy pristine natural spaces,” Larkin says. “This understanding is at the heart of all the decisions we make for our businesses, guests, staff, and the environment.”
For more information, please visit www.blackrockresort.com.