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
Barry O’Riordan
manager
Barry graduated with a Master of Arts in economics from the National University of Ireland and, having lived in the Cowichan valley since 2016, began in the role of Manager with Economic Development Cowichan (Cowichan Valley Regional District) in 2019. Barry has a broad base of experience in local government, industry, and non-profit sectors. Barry is passionate about implementing economic development initiatives to respond to and 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 the implementation of the Economic Development Cowichan (EDC) Strategic Plan, which includes sector development in Tech, Film, and Agriculture.
Judy Mills
administrative coordinator
Judy has been managing the administrative needs of Economic Development Cowichan for the past 15 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.
Email Judy
250.746.7880 extension 2
Brittany Taylor
economic development analyst
Brittany comes to EDC with a background in tourism destination development, stakeholder relations, and marketing. She obtained a Bachelor of Science in biology from the University of Guelph and a Diploma in Tourism Management from Humber College in Ontario. After spending several years promoting destinations in Atlantic Canada, she moved west and settled in the Cowichan Valley in 2016. In her role, Brittany has a broad range of responsibilities including research and analysis, project coordination, stakeholder relations, event management, marketing, and public relations.
Nicole Rallis
special projects assistant & sport tourism coordinator
Nicole is an interdisciplinary researcher, storyteller and grant writer. She obtained a Master of Arts in political science from McMaster University and is a PhD candidate at The University of British Columbia. She joins EDC with over eight years of experience working for universities in British Columbia, Ontario, and Saskatchewan. A resident of the Cowichan Valley since 2020, she is passionate about contributing to sustainable economic development in the region. Nicole provides support on the implementation of identified priority actions and engages businesses and organizations in EDC initiatives.
Bev Suderman
economic development analyst (casual)
Bev is a registered professional planner with interests in economic development. She worked with EDC on the Think Shawnigan community design project, and is now pleased to be part of the team working on all things agriculture and food security, affordable housing, and other aspects of community well-being. She has her Master’s in Planning from The University of British Columbia, has worked as a planning consultant for First Nations and local governments on Vancouver Island and the Yukon, and is very active with the non-profit sector in the region.
Our plan
Economic Development Cowichan is guided by the CVRD’s 2023-2026 Corporate Strategic Plan and by its own 2018-2022 Strategic Plan.
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
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