The Validation Session is part of the Circular Economy Hub Project, an initiative to turn C&D waste into local economic opportunity. Project Zero is working with communities in the Cowichan Valley, qathet, and Alberni-Clayoquot Regional Districts to create tailored “circular hubs” that support resource recovery, skills development, innovation and new business opportunities from materials that would otherwise be wasted.

This session follows up on conversations from the November 25 workshop in the Cowichan region, but don’t worry if you didn’t attend the earlier event. Anyone with an interest in the circular economy, waste reuse, local jobs, or community collaboration is welcome.

What to Expect at the Validation Session

This one-hour online session is designed to be interactive and collaborative. Key agenda items include:

• Welcome & recap of the November workshop: a quick look back at ideas and insights shared previously
• Free certifications: information about free BC Green Business certifications that can help local businesses strengthen sustainability credentials
• Training priorities: an opportunity to help shape what free training offerings could roll out this spring
• Material matchmaking & networking: a space to connect with others who are interested in reusing and repurposing C&D materials
• Next steps: confirming priorities and plans for the months ahead

You’ll come away with a clearer sense of local priorities and how you can get involved or benefit from the work ahead, whether you’re a builder, designer, business owner, worker, student or community member.

Why This Matters

A circular economy keeps materials in use longer and helps reduce environmental impacts, all while creating new economic opportunities close to home. By focusing on C&D materials (like wood, metals, concrete and fixtures), the project aims to cut landfill waste and open doors for new ventures, jobs, skills and community-led solutions.

This session isn’t just a recap; it’s a chance to shape what comes next. Your voice and ideas matter, even if you’re new to the topic.

👉 Register for the event here: https://cvrd-waste-to-resource-validation.eventbrite.ca

The post Rethinking Construction Waste: A Community Validation Session on Circular Solutions appeared first on CVRD.

This free, in-person event is designed for smaller businesses interested in selling directly to federal departments and agencies.

What to Expect

The Buyers Expo brings together federal procurement professionals and businesses in an informal, learning-focused setting. Rather than pitching or bidding, the emphasis is on understanding how federal procurement works and how smaller suppliers can participate.

Attendees will have opportunities to:

• Speak directly with federal government buyers about what they purchase and how suppliers are selected
• Learn about federal procurement tools and systems, including how businesses get on the federal radar
• Ask questions and gain practical, plain-language guidance on selling to the federal government

Why This Matters for Smaller Businesses

Federal procurement represents a significant and often underexplored market for small and medium-sized enterprises. However, unfamiliar processes, terminology, and compliance requirements can be real barriers. This Expo is intentionally designed to lower those barriers by offering direct access to federal buyers and tailored support for smaller businesses.

For businesses that are new to federal procurement, or those looking to strengthen their approach, this event offers a low-risk way to build knowledge, confidence, and connections.

Event Details

• What: Public Sector Buyers Expo
• When: Tuesday, February 3, 2026 | 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
• Where: CFB Esquimalt, Victoria, BC
• Who Should Attend: Smaller businesses interested in selling goods or services to the federal government

Registration and additional details are available via the official Government of Canada event page:
https://www.canada.ca/en/public-services-procurement/programs/pac/event-calendar/event-details.html?id=20251212141047540

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The program provides cost-shared funding to support a wide range of export-focused activities, from market research and export-readiness training to participation in international trade shows and buyer missions. Whether you’re a small producer seeking to test export potential or an established business ready to scale globally, the BCAFE program offers resources to help you take the next step.

New in 2026:

• Cannabis producers, processors, and associations are now eligible for funding:
  • For inter-provincial markets, both medical and non-medical products are eligible;
  • For international markets, only medical cannabis products are eligible.
• Seafood fishers, harvesters, producers (those who raise fish, shellfish, and/or marine plants in controlled environments), processors (those who transform raw seafood, including marine plants, into market-ready products), processor cooperatives, and industry associations are not eligible for Sustainable Canadian Agriculture Partnership funding for interprovincial-focused activities, but are eligible for the development of international markets.

Eligible applicants include farmers, food processors, seafood companies, and industry associations that produce and process products in British Columbia. By emphasizing sustainability, innovation, and market diversification, this program supports the province’s broader goal of strengthening a resilient, globally competitive agri-food economy.

Applications are open now and close on February 13, 2026, with anticipated project start date on April 1, 2026.

For full program details, including eligibility criteria, funding guidelines, and upcoming deadlines, visit bcagricultureandfoodexportprogram.ca.

Photo credit: Keating Farm, Tourism Cowichan, Mio Monasch

The post Boosting BC’s Food and Agriculture Exports: A New Provincial Program appeared first on CVRD.

The MRDT is an important funding tool used by many communities across British Columbia. The MRDT is a tax applied to sales of short-term accommodation provided in participating areas of BC. In the Cowichan region, MRDT revenues support tourism marketing, visitor services, and destination development initiatives that help attract visitors and encourage year-round economic activity. MRDT revenues from online accommodation platforms like Airbnb are used to support affordable housing initiatives.

Cowichan’s MRDT contract with the Province of BC is coming up for renewal, and Tourism Cowichan is hosting this virtual session to begin engaging with stakeholders on proposed changes.

Event details

• Date: Monday, February 2, 2026
• Time: 1:00–2:30 p.m.
• Location: Virtual

Why this session matters

This information session is designed to be accessible to anyone interested in understanding how the MRDT works and how decisions about MRDT-funded activities are made. Participants will learn more about:

• The proposed MRDT renewal for 2027–2031
• How MRDT funds are used to support tourism marketing, visitor services, and destination development in the Cowichan region
• A five-year strategic business plan that will guide MRDT-funded projects and priorities
• The engagement process for accommodation properties with four or more rooms offering short-term stays
• How to take part in upcoming in-person engagement sessions scheduled for February 19 and March 12, 2026

While accommodation providers play a formal role in collecting the tax, the impacts of MRDT investment extend well beyond the tourism sector. For many local businesses, tourism marketing decisions can influence customer traffic, seasonality, workforce needs, and partnership opportunities. This session offers a chance to ask questions, understand the trade-offs involved, and see how local priorities are shaping future plans.

Who should attend

This session is open to:

• Accommodation providers and tourism operators
• Retailers, restaurants, and service businesses
• Arts, culture, and event organizations
• Agriculture and food producers
• Economic development, non-profit, and community partners
• Anyone with an interest in tourism marketing or the MRDT program

Register and learn more

Advance registration is required.
👉 Register here: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/municipal-and-regional-district-tax-mrdt-stakeholder-information-session-tickets-1980509619586?aff=oddtdtcreator

Questions can be directed to kenzie@tourismcowichan.com.

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For the Cowichan region’s farm and agri-food community, the Show represents one of the best opportunities all year to connect with peers, suppliers and potential partners under one roof. The Cowichan Valley Regional District is proud to continue to support the Islands Agriculture Show as a Community Partner.

Conference

The Show’s conference program is designed to help you stay ahead of the curve. Scheduled sessions for 2026 will cover themes such as agritourism, lambing/kidding, soil health, seed saving, climate change and farming, Indigenous agriculture, and even AI in agriculture. Attending these sessions can help you gain practical tips, from improving soil and animal health to adding value through agritourism or navigating regulatory and market shifts.

Trade show

The trade show aspect features 60–70 exhibitors, everything from farm equipment dealers to service providers, technology vendors, and program-offering organizations. For a small to mid-size farm, this means quick access to vendors and resources that might otherwise be spread across the Island or Lower Mainland. It’s a chance to compare options, scout new solutions, or find a supplier that fits your budget and goals.

For agricultural equipment and service providers, there’s still time to book an exhibitor table at the trade show. Download the Exhibitor Package for more information.

Networking & collaboration

The Islands Agriculture Show is more than a marketplace; it’s a community gathering. Farmers, landowners, industry suppliers, government agencies, and service providers all attend. That translates to meaningful opportunities: you might meet a collaborator for agritourism, learn about funding or support programs, find a supplier for equipment or inputs, or partner on a project. For Cowichan-based businesses, this could spark connections within the region or with folks elsewhere on Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands.

Whether you raise livestock, grow vegetables, run a niche agritourism venture, or dabble in seed saving or value-added products, the diversity of conference and trade show offerings means there’s something relevant for nearly any farm type. If you’re thinking of expanding, diversifying, or trying something new, you’ll likely find people and ideas worth talking to.

Young Farmers Day

The Show also includes a “Young Farmers Day” on Friday, January 30. While this is targeted at school-aged youth, it reflects the Show’s broader commitment to building a vibrant agricultural community, one that supports newcomers, young farmers, and the next generation of producers.
This reinforces that agriculture here isn’t static; it’s evolving, and there’s space for innovation and new talent.

Learn more

For any producer, business or service provider in the Cowichan region’s agriculture and ag-food sector, the Islands Agriculture Show represents a rare opportunity: two days of learning, networking, discovery, and connection, all within commuting range.

Visit the official Islands Agriculture Show website to learn more.

The post From Field to Future: Why Cowichan Producers Should Attend the Islands Agriculture Show appeared first on CVRD.

Hosted by Cowichan Green Community (CGC) in partnership with the Duncan Curling Rink, the event blends winter fun with a meaningful purpose: raising funds to help bring the Beverly Street Food Hub to life. The Cowichan Valley Regional District and Economic Development Cowichan have been supporting the development of the food hub as part of broader efforts to strengthen local food systems and community wellbeing.

A Fun Night Out — On or Off the Ice

Love at First Sweep is designed to be welcoming for everyone, whether you’ve curled for years or have never held a broom before. Participants can register as individuals or teams and enjoy a friendly night of curling, with all equipment provided. Light food and appetizers are included, and a cash bar will be available. This event is a great opportunity for team-building with coworkers!

Not interested in curling? No problem. General admission tickets are available for those who want to watch the action, socialize, and learn more about the Beverly Street Food Hub and its impact. Pre-registration is required, and tickets can be purchased through the official Eventbrite page.

👉 Event details and tickets:
https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/love-at-first-sweep-fundraiser-for-beverly-street-food-hub-tickets-1980130950978

Why the Beverly Street Food Hub Matters

The Beverly Street Food Hub is a planned 4,800-square-foot, multi-use facility that will serve as a shared commercial kitchen, warehouse, and dry and cold storage space. Once complete, it will become the operational home for several Cowichan Green Community programs, including Meals on Wheels, Fruit Save, and other food access and waste-reduction initiatives.

Beyond CGC’s own programs, the hub is intended to support local businesses, farmers, producers, and other food security organizations across the Cowichan region. By providing shared infrastructure, the facility will help reduce barriers for food-based enterprises and community groups while strengthening collaboration across the local food system.

More information about the Beverly Street Food Hub can be found on Cowichan Green Community’s website:
https://cowichangreencommunity.org/programs/beverly-street-food-hub/

Community Support in Action

Fundraisers like Love at First Sweep play a key role in turning community-led infrastructure projects into reality. The Beverly Street Food Hub reflects a shared commitment to food security, local resilience, and inclusive economic development. Support from local governments, community partners, businesses, and residents all contributes to building a facility that will deliver long-term benefits.

Whether you’re sweeping stones on the ice or cheering from the sidelines, attending this event is a simple and enjoyable way to support a project that will have a lasting impact.

The post Love at First Sweep: Supporting Food Security Through Community Fun appeared first on CVRD.

The living wage reflects the hourly amount a worker must earn to meet essential costs, avoid chronic financial stress, and participate in community life. For the Cowichan region, this year’s calculation highlights rising costs for housing, food, and transportation, areas that continue to shape the daily realities of residents and employers.

A more representative calculation for 2025

A major methodological shift shapes this year’s living wage. Instead of basing the calculation solely on a two-parent household with two children, the 2025 model uses a weighted average of three household types:

• a single adult,
• a single parent with one child, and
• a two-parent family with two children.

Because single adults typically have lower expenses than families with children, the new approach produces a more representative regional figure, but it also means the modest increase from last year should not be mistaken for easing affordability. Rising rents and food costs remain significant pressures for all household types.

What’s driving the 2025 living wage?

Housing costs continue to be the largest expense in the household budget. Although asking rents have shown early signs of levelling off, they are still rising faster than inflation and remain challenging in a region with low vacancy rates.

Food costs rose by 3.6% this year, making groceries the second-largest pressure on the living wage calculation. Food insecurity continues to worsen across BC, with food banks playing an increasing role in supporting households.

Transportation also plays a unique role in the Cowichan region. Many households rely on multiple vehicles due to long travel distances and limited transit options. The extended transit strike in 2025 added additional strain, particularly for workers without access to a personal vehicle.

At the same time, government programs such as expanded child care supports, the Canadian Dental Care Plan, and the enhanced BC Rental Assistance Program have helped reduce pressure, but not enough to counterbalance rising costs.

The gap between wages and basic costs

BC’s current minimum wage is $17.85 per hour, creating a gap of $7.90 between the minimum wage and the living wage in the Cowichan region.

Across the province, nearly one in three workers earn less than the living wage, with women and racialized workers disproportionately represented in lower-wage roles.

Living wage employers in the region

More than 450 employers in BC have committed to paying a living wage. Living wage certified employers in the Cowichan region include:

• David Coulson Design
• Canadian Bavarian Millwork & Lumber
• Hakai Energy Solutions
• Kinsol Timber Systems
• Made to Last Custom Homes
• Major Crown Projects
• Sparkling Legacy
• Viridian Energy Co-operative

Living wage employers report benefits like stronger staff retention, improved morale, and clearer wage structures.

Becoming a certified Living Wage Employer is one way local businesses can support community wellbeing, strengthen their workforce, and contribute to reducing working poverty.

Learn more

To explore the 2025 Living Wage calculation, view the full local briefing, or learn how to become a certified Living Wage Employer, visit Social Planning Cowichan and Living Wage BC:

• https://www.socialplanningcowichan.org/living-wage
• https://www.livingwagebc.ca

Photo credit: Alderlea Farm Cafe, Tourism Cowichan, Tyler Cave

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Let’s talk cycling! Are you interested in cycling tourism across the Cowichan region? If so, Tourism Cowichan wants to hear from you. Complete the public survey below and enter for a chance to win a $500 gift certificate to a local Cowichan bike shop.

Tourism Cowichan is leading the development of a regional cycling tourism strategy for the Cowichan region, with support from the consulting team at RC Strategies. Recognizing that cycling tourism continues to grow as an economic driver for the Cowichan region and supports healthy well-being for communities, this project was identified to investigate tourism growth opportunities surrounding signature cycling routes, networks, and experiences.

Informed by the extensive learnings from our first round of engagement, which took place from March-August 2025, the Draft Cowichan Valley Cycling Tourism Strategy has identified the region’s cycling tourism assets with the greatest potential to attract visitors, the actions required to establish a series of signature cycling experiences, and the markets most likely to drive growth. It has also examined gaps between visitor expectations and current offerings, and outlined the strategic priorities and actions needed to fully realize the region’s cycling tourism and economic development potential.

This strategy also outlines the recommended steps that can be taken to establish a more coordinated and formalized approach to growing the visitor economy through the development and management of cycling tourism experiences, serving as an invitation to the regional cycling tourism ecosystem to work together to advance cycling tourism in a strategic, coordinated, and collaborative way.

Tourism Cowichan is now inviting the public to review and provide input to help validate and refine the findings before the Cowichan Valley Cycling Tourism Strategy is finalized.

Please note the following before you begin the survey:

• Be sure to review the Draft Cycling Tourism Strategy linked below before you begin the survey.
• You may find it helpful to have a copy of the draft strategy open while completing the survey.
• Input collected through the survey will be considered as the project team finalizes the strategy.

How Long Will the Survey Take to Complete?
Approximately 30 minutes depending how detailed your responses are.

Can I Save My Progress and Return to the Survey Later?
Yes. Click “Save and Continue” in the top right corner to send yourself a link that will allow you to return to the survey later.

When Does the Survey Close?
The survey will be open from November 20 to December 11, 2025 at 11:59 PM (Pacific Time).

Prize Draw
To show their appreciation for participants’ time and valuable input, Tourism Cowichan is offering a chance to win a $500 gift certificate to a local Cowichan bike shop. Participation in the prize draw is entirely optional.

Questions
Visit Tourism Cowichan’s website to learn more about the project. For further information or questions, contact Kenzie Knight, Tourism Development Specialist, at kenzie@tourismcowichan.com.

The post Cowichan Valley Draft Cycling Tourism Strategy & Public Survey appeared first on CVRD.

To help local entrepreneurs harness these opportunities, the AI Upskilling for Small Business program is now available to businesses in the Cowichan region. Delivered by Community Futures Central Island, this program provides hands-on training designed to help small business owners and their teams understand and apply AI tools directly to their operations.

Valued at $2,999, the program is being offered for as little as $199, thanks to support from the Province of BC and Economic Development Cowichan. Businesses that sign up early will benefit from the lowest cost — and with limited spots available, early registration is encouraged.

No tech expertise is required and participants will learn to:

• Upskill to meet today’s digital demands
• Automate repetitive tasks and reclaim hours each week
• Streamline workflows so they can focus on growth and creativity
• Overcome fear and uncertainty about new technologies
• Join a supportive AI Community of local business leaders sharing insights, challenges, and wins

Whether you’re looking to save time, boost creativity, or make more informed business decisions, this program offers practical tools to future-proof your business in an increasingly digital world.

Learn more and apply today at www.cfnanaimo.org/aiupskilling.

The post AI Upskilling for Small Business: Unlocking the Power of Artificial Intelligence appeared first on CVRD.

Key takeaways from the Regional Outlook for the Vancouver Island/Coast economic region (which includes the Cowichan region) include:

• The region is forecast to have approximately 188,600 job openings over the 2025-2035 period.
• Average annual employment growth is projected at about 1.3% for the region—slightly outperforming the province as a whole.
• A large share of those openings will be replacement demand (jobs created as existing workers retire or leave) rather than growth-driven openings; around 66% from replacement and 34% from expansion.
• The top 5 industries by total expected job openings are: retail (excluding cars and personal care), hospitals, ambulatory health care services, legal/accounting/design/research/advertising services, and nursing and residential care facilities.

Also significant, of the 1,052,000 job openings projected in BC over the coming decade, 77% of those will require some form of post-secondary education or specialized training.

It’s important to note how this edition of the Outlook differs from the 2024 version, and what that signals for businesses in the Cowichan region.

• Province-wide, the number of projected job openings has been revised downward in the 2025 Outlook by 68,000 compared to last year’s estimate. This is largely driven by assumptions of slower population growth, particularly because of reduced federal immigration targets.
• Conversely, projected job openings in the Vancouver Island/Coast region are up 21,900 in 2025 compared to the 2024 Outlook, and employment growth is up slightly as well (from 1.1% in 2024 to 1.3% in 2025).
• Employment growth due to expansion is up from 30% in the 2024 Outlook to 34% in the 2025 Outlook, but replacement demand (due to retirements) remains the dominant driver.

The 2025–2035 projections paint a cautiously optimistic picture for the Cowichan region—steady growth, strong demand across key service sectors, and continuing pressure to find and keep qualified workers. So what does this mean for Cowichan employers?

1. Workforce stability will be key.

With two-thirds of new job openings tied to retirements or workforce exits, the challenge for local employers is not just creating jobs but keeping their teams intact. This means placing greater emphasis on succession planning, mentorship, and retaining experienced staff to preserve institutional knowledge.

2. Slightly faster growth offers opportunity—but also competition.

The region’s above-average 1.3 % growth rate suggests that Vancouver Island’s economy—including the Cowichan region—may outperform other parts of the province. However, this will also intensify competition for skilled workers, particularly in health care, retail, and professional services. Businesses should prepare now by reviewing wages, benefits, and workplace culture to stay competitive.

3. Training and education partnerships will matter more than ever.

As 77 % of future job openings will require post-secondary education or specialized training, local employers can benefit from working more closely with training providers, colleges, and WorkBC Centres to build custom pathways for skill development and retention.

4. Expansion growth creates room for entrepreneurship and innovation.

With expansion now representing a larger share of regional growth (34 % up from 30 %), the outlook signals opportunities for new ventures and business expansion—especially in sectors like health care support services, professional consulting, and technology applications that support those industries.

5. Local quality of life remains a competitive advantage.

While slower population growth province-wide may tighten labour supply, the Cowichan region can leverage its quality of life, community connections, and natural amenities to attract talent seeking balanced, place-based careers. Highlighting these benefits will be key to regional recruitment and retention.

Review the full BC Labour Market Outlook 2025-2035 on the WorkBC website.

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