Our purpose
- Strengthening the regional economy by supporting and attracting businesses and sector development
- Strengthening communities through engagement and support for community-based initiatives
- Communicating the advantages of living, working and investing in Cowichan
Our people
Amy Melmock
manager
Since arriving at Economic Development Cowichan in August 2016, Amy has focused on building relationships with local community and business leaders and creating key sector strategies for the region. Committed to building an innovative and sustainable future for Cowichan, she is currently acting on the recommendations stemming from the Cowichan Tech Strategy and the Cowichan Industrial Land Use Action Plan. Amy is also creating new agricultural initiatives for Cowichan that will serve the evolving needs of local farmers and value-added producers and food processors. Amy serves as the CVRD representative on the Tourism Cowichan Society Board of Directors, and provides project management support for the Ladysmith Economic Development Strategy. She is currently activating the Air Transport and Regional Accommodation strategies for Cowichan.
Judy Mills
administrative coordinator
Judy has been managing the administrative needs of Economic Development Cowichan for the past 13 years. As a first point of contact at Economic Development Cowichan, Judy helps connect residents, newcomers and business people with local government and community service organizations.
Barry O’Riordan
Special Projects Assistant
Barry graduated with a Masters of Arts in Economics at the National University of Ireland and, having lived in the Cowichan Valley since 2016, has stepped into his role with Economic Development Cowichan with a broad base of experience in local government, industry and non-profit sectors. Barry is passionate about the opportunity for Economic Development Cowichan to shape the landscape of the Cowichan Valley in a way that promotes healthy and sustainable economic development for current and future generations. Barry is responsible for assisting with the implementation of a variety of strategic projects including the Industrial Land Use Action Plan and implementing recommendations that have stemmed from the recently released Cowichan Tech Strategy.
Our plan
Economic Development Cowichan is guided by the Corporate Plan of the CVRD and by its own 2018-2022 Strategic Plan.
Film Cowichan
Film Cowichan operates under the umbrella of Economic Development Cowichan and is the first stop for all film enquiries in the region.
Film Cowichan works in collaboration with the South Island Film Commission in Victoria, the North Island Film Commission (INFilm) in Campbell River, and Creative BC to attract film productions to the Island and to provide a seamless service for productions and commercials that are filming here.
Our activities include promotion of the Cowichan film locations, preparation of online location packages, assistance with scouting and permitting, liaising with local municipalities and business organizations and supporting local film initiatives. For assistance with filming in the region, please contact:
Laura Jennifer Leppard
Film Coordinator, Film Cowichan
250.732.1419
lauraleppard@gmail.com
Tax Credits and Local Film Locations
The Cowichan region is eligible for a full range BC film tax credits. Visit the Creative BC website for tax credit incentive information.
An extensive library of Cowichan film locations is available on Creative BC’s Reel Scout website.
Cowichan Film Activity
Because of its proximity and easy access to major film centres in Vancouver and LA, Cowichan has become home to renowned independent film producers, technical crews and ancillary businesses that provide service to the film industry. The Vancouver-based digital animation company Bron Studios has a satellite office in Duncan employing nearly a dozen animators from around the world.
Recent filming includes an episode of the Amazing Race along with the major Hollywood film “Sonic the Hedgehog” in Ladysmith and the 2017 production “Light of My Life,” directed by Academy Award winning actor Casey Affleck. During the past decade, more than two dozen productions filmed here, accounting for more than $145 million in economic spin-offs for the region.
Did You Know?
- The ferry scenes in the ground-breaking 1970’s film “Five Easy Pieces” were shot on the Mill Bay-Brentwood Bay ferry linking Cowichan to Saanich, Vancouver Island
- The Hollywood blockbuster Godzilla was filmed locally
- 22 episodes of the television series “Spooksville” were shot in Cowichan
- Documentaries for National Geographic and the Discovery Channel have been made here
Forms for Filmmakers
Local and visiting producers filming in the Cowichan region are required to review and complete the following forms:
- Film Cowichan Film Guidelines
- CVRD Film Permit Application 2017
- Film Cowichan Resident Letter Template
- Film Cowichan Worksheet
- Film Cowichan Street Use Request Form
Contact us
Economic Development Cowichan is located in the Community Futures Building in downtown Duncan, just a few blocks from the Cowichan Valley Regional District headquarters.
Economic Development Cowichan
135 Third Street
Duncan, BC V9L 1R9
250.746.7880
Cowichan Valley Regional District
175 Ingram Street
Duncan, BC V9L 1N8
250.746.2500
1.800.665.3955
Media Enquiries
Kris Schumacher
Manager of Communications and Engagement
Cowichan Valley Regional District
Email: kris.schumacher@cvrd.bc.ca
250.746.2635
1.800.665.3955
Get notified
Receive a notification for updated news and events.
135 Third Street
Duncan, BC
Canada V9L 1R9
edc@cvrd.bc.ca
T 250.746.7880
TF 1.866.746.2508
Economic
Development
Cowichan
Economic
Development
Cowichan
135 Third Street
Duncan, BC
Canada V9L 1R9
edc@cvrd.bc.ca
T 250.746.7880
TF 1.866.746.2508