Our blog

Lights, camera, Cowichan! The Cowichan region continues to draw film and television productions, thanks to its diverse landscapes, supportive communities, and strong coordination through Film Cowichan. Two recent productions have generated meaningful economic benefits for the region, highlighting why the screen industry matters for our local economy. Earlier this season, A Bad Day at Camp Tivoli filmed extensively in Lake Cowichan, Duncan, Glenora, and Shawnigan Lake. The production brought...

On July 5, 2025, BC Hydro implemented a major policy change that will reduce the cost of connecting new or upgraded electrical service. This is great news for residential, commercial, and mixed-use developments across Cowichan. Historically, developers and property owners faced steep system improvement costs when trying to electrify new builds or retrofit existing buildings. Under the new Distribution Extension Policy, BC Hydro will now cover: Up to $1 million in system improvement costs for...

In the Cowichan region, where agriculture, small business, and manufacturing are at the heart of the local economy, digital marketing skills are more important than ever. The Digital Marketing Skills Canada (DMSC) program is a fully funded opportunity designed to help professionals, entrepreneurs, and employers build digital capacity at no cost. Funded by Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada through the Upskill Canada initiative, DMSC offers flexible online training programs...

Cowichan business owners and entrepreneurs are invited to take part in a new provincial survey aimed at reducing red tape and improving the business climate in British Columbia. The Province has launched an “ease-of-doing-business” review to better understand the challenges that businesses face when starting, operating, or expanding in B.C. This review is an opportunity for Cowichan’s business community to voice concerns, share experiences, and offer practical ideas to streamline provincial...

Economic Development Cowichan and Community Futures are teaming up to help local businesses build their Plan B. The Cowichan region has been selected as one of three communities to take part in a new Business Continuity Planning Program led by Community Futures Central Island. This pilot initiative, funded by the Province of British Columbia through the Rural Economic Diversification and Infrastructure Program (REDIP), will help local businesses build resilience and plan for the unexpected....

Island Good Days | Now until June 6 Cowichan is brimming with local pride, and this week, we’re celebrating it in full force for Island Good Days! Running until June 6, Island Good Days shine a spotlight on the incredible businesses that make buying local on Vancouver Island so easy, delicious, and meaningful. Launched in 2018, the Island Good initiative helps shoppers easily identify products made or grown right here on Vancouver Island. Whether it’s fresh produce, artisan goods, or...

Is your Cowichan-based business working in the construction or building sector—and looking to innovate, scale, or adopt more sustainable practices? The Circular Construction Accelerator (CCA), led by Light House, is now accepting applications for its second cohort. This no-cost program is designed to help BC-based businesses integrate circular economy principles into their operations, with tailored support from industry experts. As regulations shift and the demand for low-carbon, resilient...