If you’ve driven along Bell McKinnon Road in Duncan lately, you’ve seen it — nine storeys of concrete, steel, and glass rising above the farmland like a promise finally being kept. The new Quw’utsun (Cowichan) Valley Hospital is more than 75% complete, and after decades of overcrowded hallways and aging infrastructure at the old Cowichan…
The Trade War Came Home to Vancouver Island If you live on Vancouver Island, you’ve already felt it — whether you noticed or not. Higher prices at the hardware store. Longer waits for building materials. Local sawmills cutting shifts. The U.S.-Canada trade war that’s been grinding on since early 2025 isn’t some abstract political story…
As spring 2025 unfolds, homeowners across the Cowichan Valley are embracing the season with a variety of projects that enhance their properties and lifestyles. From sustainable upgrades to community engagement, here are five trending initiatives that local residents are undertaking this season. 1. Sustainable Landscaping and Native Plant Gardening With a growing emphasis on environmental stewardship, many…
Nanaimo, BC – Vancouver Island University (VIU) is gearing up to host an island-wide construction and trades skills competition that will bring together students from across Vancouver Island. The upcoming event, part of the Skills Canada BC regional competitions, will see hundreds of high school students converging on VIU’s Nanaimo campus on March 6 to showcase their talents in various…
As spring 2025 unfolds across Vancouver Island, the Cowichan Valley finds itself navigating a pivotal moment in housing and community planning. With property values stabilizing, development proposals inching forward, and calls for systemic reform in housing policy growing louder, the region is in the midst of defining its next chapter. Resilient Market, Cautious Optimism Despite…
The Cowichan Valley Regional District (CVRD) is shaping the future of its nine electoral areas through the Modernized Official Community Plan (MOCP), a forward-thinking framework designed to guide land use and development for the next 20 years. Crafted with input from local residents, this plan tackles pressing issues like climate change, housing, infrastructure, and economic…
The Cowichan Valley is buzzing with updates this week, from innovative waste management initiatives to significant economic development projects and community-focused plans. Here’s a roundup of the latest happenings in our region. North Cowichan Gears Up for Automated Curbside Collection Starting June 2, 2025, North Cowichan residents will see a modernized approach to waste management…
Mill Bay and Cobble Hill, two scenic communities in the Cowichan Valley, are undergoing rapid growth with a variety of residential, commercial, and mixed-use developments. From large-scale housing projects to new business and community spaces, these changes are set to redefine the region. Stonebridge Development: A New Mixed-Use Hub The Stonebridge Development will introduce a…
Duncan Advocates for Repurposing Old Hospital as New Facility Amid Construction of Modern Replacement The City of Duncan is calling for the current Cowichan District Hospital (CDH) to be repurposed as a mental health or rehabilitation facility instead of being demolished once the new hospital is completed in 2027. Councillor Tom Duncan emphasized that demolishing…
The Cowichan Valley Regional District (CVRD) recently held a meeting addressing pressing community issues, including agricultural zoning concerns, housing developments, and water infrastructure projects. The session saw strong participation from residents and key stakeholders. Farmers Voice Concerns Over Zoning Bylaws One of the most heated discussions revolved around agricultural zoning regulations and their impact on…