Project Title:

Cowichan Valley Industrial Land Use Plan

Project Organization:

Economic Development Cowichan

Project Investment:

  • Island Coastal Economic Trust: $15,000
  • Local Government: $35,000
  • Total Budget: $50,000

Strategic planning documents over the past decade have identified industrial attraction as key a priority for the Cowichan region. Consultations with local communities and First Nations have documented parcels of land ready for industrial development, however, the region did not have a joint strategy to enhance, augment and promote development.

Using a market research approach, Cowichan Valley Regional District developed a comprehensive strategy with an inventory of industrial lands in the CVRD. In addition, the project included short and long-term attraction strategies, recommendations for re-zoning and development, and identification of partnership opportunities to assist in the development of the industrial land base.

The strategy was completed in March 2018. Anticipated outcomes include retention and growth of the region’s existing industrial base, attraction of new industry, and strengthening of overall collaboration between regional partners. The strategy is expected to benefit advanced manufacturing, agri-food processing, and value-added wood sectors as well as attract new-to-the-valley industries that will drive sustainable industrial growth and job creation in the Cowichan Valley.