Located between Vancouver Island’s two major urban centers, the Town of Ladysmith is uniquely positioned to attract new business development. Multiple organizations in the region have led independent economic development efforts, however, there was an opportunity for greater efficiencies and outcomes through collaboration under a unified strategy.
In November 2017 a working partnership was formed between the Town of Ladysmith; Ladysmith Chamber of Commerce; Economic Development Cowichan; Ladysmith Downtown BIA; Community Futures Central Island; and the Stz’uminus First Nations to deliver a single, comprehensive economic development strategy for the region. The Nanaimo Airport Authority is also a partner in funding the work.
The project included stakeholder consultation and the creation of a steering committee to assess existing plans and documents and identify economic priorities. Outcomes included an up-to-date inventory of all projects in progress, a list of priority projects, and a three-year implementation plan including research into funding mechanisms.
We work in reciprocal relationships with coastal communities across the ancestral territories of the Kwak̓wala, Nuučaan̓uɫ, Éy7á7juuthem, Ligwilda'xw, Pəntl'áč, She shashishalhem, Sḵwx̱wú7mesh, Hul’q’umi’num’, diitiidʔaatx̣, SENĆOŦEN, Lekwungen, and T’Sou-ke speaking peoples.
