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Island Coastal Economic Trust (ICET) has launched the THRIVE Small Capital Program to help stimulate and promote vitality in downtown areas across the Vancouver Island and Coast region. The program can contribute up to 100% of eligible project costs, to a maximum of $50,000, for small scale capital projects that bolster short to medium-term renewal of downtown or commercial area vitality. Successful THRIVE projects must create new outdoor public amenities or areas that contribute to increased...

In response to the unprecedented economic and social impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the region, Economic Development Cowichan began publishing a regional recovery dashboard of indicators to track progress towards recovery. The first report was published in January 2021. The May 2021 report shows an alarming increase in Cowichan housing prices, up 15% in March 2021 versus March 2020, as well as continued low inventory. “Although lack of inventory is a problem throughout British Columbia,...

Cowichan restaurants, retailers and producers selling local products can get a free marketing boost in 2021 from the VIEA Island Good Program. Economic Development Cowichan has once again partnered with the Vancouver Island Economic Alliance (VIEA) to offer Cowichan businesses a free one-year Island Good licence. VIEA developed the Island Good brand program as a way for customers to easily identify local products on retailer shelves and restaurant menus. “The need and desire to support local...

Census Day is coming up on May 11. The census is a valuable tool that increases our understanding of Canadians across the country and allows governments to provide the right services and support to each community. We encourage everyone to participate by completing their census questionnaire at census.gc.ca. Census information is used in many different ways to shape government action and investment. Here are just a few ways that census data is used to benefit communities: Schools and social...

Three new employment positions in Cowichan have been approved for funding through Island Coastal Economic Trust’s (ICET) Rural Business and Community Recovery Program. Funding has been awarded to Stz’uminus First Nation, Ladysmith Chamber of Commerce, and Economic Development Cowichan for new temporary term positions focused on economic recovery. With this funding, Stz’uminus First Nation will look to hire a part-time Business Recovery Advisor. Their role will be to support the Coast Salish...

2021 federal and provincial budgets were released this week. Both budgets have a strong focus on getting us through the COVID-19 pandemic and building for the future. BC Finance Minister Selina Robinson tabled the 2021 provincial Budget in the legislature on Tuesday, April 20. The budget includes additional support for many of the programs and initiatives announced in response to the COVID-19 pandemic over the last year, both for immediate relief and for long-term recovery. The Province is...