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

The post 2025 Living Wage for the Cowichan region rises to $25.75 appeared first on CVRD.

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.

Review the Draft Cycling Tourism Strategy Here

Take the Survey Here

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.

The post What the BC Labour Market Outlook for 2025–2035 Means for Businesses in the Cowichan Region appeared first on CVRD.

🚧 What: Cowichan Valley C&D Waste to Resource Community Session

📅 When: Tuesday, November 25, from 7 to 9 am

📍 Where: Duncan Garage Cafe & Bakery

CRD waste is one of the largest contributors to landfills in British Columbia. Still, many materials can find a new life using the principles of a circular economy, creating opportunities for cost savings, innovation, and local job growth. Synergy Foundation is looking to do just that through the development of a circular hub for CRD materials in the Cowichan region. Their upcoming workshop is your chance to help shape solutions that benefit both the environment and the economy.

Join Synergy Foundation’s Project Zero team for a complimentary breakfast and learn about their plans for a circular hub in our region. Guest speakers Dave Bennick (Founder of the Building Deconstruction Institute) and Beverley Dondale (President of The ReUse People of Canada) will share strategies and success stories from across the reuse and circular economy movement. Then roll up your sleeves for a facilitated discussion, material-matching activity, and a tour of Live Edge Design, a local business putting circular principles into action.

If you’re a Cowichan-based designer, contractor, builder, manufacturer, local artist, innovator, woodworker, welder, or simply passionate about reducing waste and building a circular economy, this event is for you.

Don’t miss this chance to network, share insights, and help shape local solutions for CRD waste. Together, we can turn waste into opportunity and make the Cowichan region a leader in sustainability.

Space is limited. Register now to secure your spot at 👉 https://cvrd-waste-to-resource-workshop.eventbrite.ca

Circular Economy Hubs

The workshop is part of a larger effort to develop tailored Circular Economy Hubs in qathet, Cowichan Valley, and Alberni-Clayoquot Regional Districts. These hubs will reflect local priorities and create real impact by driving economic growth, diversification, and long-term resilience. Learn more about the circular economy hub project on Synergy’s website.

This project is made possible thanks to the support of the Province of BC, the Cowichan Valley Regional District and other community partners.

The post Reimagining Construction Waste: A Hands-On Workshop for Local Innovators appeared first on CVRD.

Why Land Sharing Matters

Across British Columbia, agriculture is at a turning point. With many seasoned farmers retiring and land values rising, creative approaches such as land sharing are opening doors for new farmers. That’s where land sharing comes in. By connecting landholders with aspiring farmers, we can keep farmland in production, strengthen our local food system, and support the next generation of growers.

The B.C. Land Matching Program, delivered by Young Agrarians, provides personalized land matching and business support services to farmers looking for land to start or expand their farm, and landholders interested in finding someone to farm their land. The program has already facilitated over 415 matches on more than 13,000 acres across the province. This workshop is your chance to learn how you can be part of this growing movement.

Event Details

Join Young Agrarians for this Land Sharing Workshop to learn how you can access land for farming or make your land available to a farmer.

• Date: Saturday, November 8, 2025
• Time: 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
• Location: The HUB at Cowichan Station, 2375 Koksilah Road, Duncan, BC (Quw’utsun Territory)
• Register on Eventbrite

What to Expect

The workshop will be led by Ari Westhaver, Vancouver Island & Gulf Islands Land Matcher with Young Agrarians. Participants will:

• Learn about the benefits and practicalities of land sharing
• Complete a self-assessment activity to help create an action plan
• Gain access to resources and tools to support your land sharing journey
• Network with other farmers, landholders, and community members

Who Should Attend?

• Aspiring and new farmers looking for land to start or grow their farm business
• Landholders interested in making their land available for farming
• Community members passionate about local food security and sustainable agriculture

Why This Matters for Cowichan

Agriculture is a cornerstone of our local economy and culture. By supporting land sharing, we help preserve farmland, create opportunities for young farmers, and strengthen food security in the Cowichan region. The Cowichan Valley Regional District (CVRD) is proud to support the B.C. Land Matching Program. This workshop is a practical step toward building a resilient, sustainable future for our area.

Ready to Join?

Visit the Young Agrarians event page to register and learn more. Let’s work together to keep farmland in production and support the next generation of farmers.

The post Got land? Want land? Explore land sharing opportunities in the Cowichan region on November 8 appeared first on CVRD.

Celebrating Small Business in Cowichan

Small businesses are the backbone of our region. They create jobs, foster innovation, and contribute to the unique character of our communities. In British Columbia, small businesses make up over 98% of all businesses and employ more than one million people. Their success is essential to local prosperity and resilience.

In the Cowichan region, small businesses drive economic activity across sectors like tourism, agriculture, manufacturing, and technology. They help sustain a diverse economy and provide opportunities for local employment. To see real examples of small businesses and entrepreneurs making big waves in our region, visit our Cowichan Changemakers page.

BC Chamber of Commerce Small Business Week Summit

Running October 20–24, this virtual summit offers four complimentary webinars under the theme “Built to Thrive: Practical Skills for Small Business Success.”

Navigating Tariffs: Strategies for Business
Date: Monday, October 20
Learn how evolving U.S. trade policies impact small businesses and explore strategies to build resilience.
Register: https://bcchamber.glueup.com/event/navigating-tariffs-strategies-for-business-151781/

Inclusive Hiring: Strategies to Build Diverse and Resilient Workforces
Date: Wednesday, October 22
Gain practical insights into equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) and learn how to attract and retain immigrant talent.
Register: https://bcchamber.glueup.com/event/inclusive-hiring-strategies-to-build-diverse-and-resilient-workforces-152618/

AI in Action: Practical Ways to Save Hours Every Week
Date: Thursday, October 23
Discover real-world examples of how small businesses use AI tools like ChatGPT to improve efficiency and decision-making.
Register: https://bcchamber.glueup.com/event/ai-in-action-practical-ways-to-save-hours-every-week-152220/

From Everyday Actions to Big Change: Putting Purpose to Work in Small Business
Date: Friday, October 24
Learn how to embed social purpose into your business model and turn small actions into meaningful impact.
Register: https://bcchamber.glueup.com/event/from-everyday-actions-to-big-change-putting-purpose-to-work-in-small-business-152626/

👉 Learn more about the Summit on the BC Chamber of Commerce website.

Get Involved

Whether you’re a business owner, a non-profit leader, or a community member, there’s a way to participate. Attend a webinar, join a local chamber event, or explore free resources from BDC to help your business adapt and grow.

👉 Learn more about Small Business Week and access tools for success:

• BDC Small Business Week Hub
• BC Chamber of Commerce Summit Registration
• Local Chambers:
  • Duncan Cowichan Chamber of Commerce
  • Ladysmith Chamber of Commerce
  • Chemainus + District Chamber of Commerce
  • Cowichan Lake District Chamber of Commerce

Let’s celebrate the entrepreneurs who make Cowichan vibrant and ensure they have the tools to thrive in a changing world.

Photo of Wind & Wave, Lake Cowichan by Ashley Marston, courtesy of Tourism Cowichan

The post Celebrating Small Business Week in Cowichan: October 20–24, 2025 appeared first on CVRD.

▶ Watch the trailer

Why This Matters to Cowichan

Non-profits are a cornerstone of the Cowichan region. They employ more than 500 people and contribute an estimated $40 million annually to our local economy. Beyond the numbers, these organizations provide essential services, strengthen community connections, and tackle complex social challenges. Yet, many remain constrained by outdated expectations around overhead, compensation, and growth—expectations that often prevent them from scaling their impact.

Uncharitable, inspired by Dan Pallotta’s widely acclaimed TED Talk, shines a light on these double standards and asks a powerful question: What if we gave non-profits the same freedoms we give businesses? The film features voices from across the sector, including leaders from Charity:Water, The Nature Conservancy, and the Ford Foundation, alongside advocates like actor Edward Norton.

An Evening of Insight and Action

The screening will be followed by a panel discussion with local leaders, funders, and business owners. This is a chance to reflect on what we’ve seen, challenge assumptions, and explore how Cowichan can lead the way in creating a more sustainable, impactful non-profit sector.

“Non-profits are vital to our region’s social and economic health, but they are struggling to survive due to funding pressures and outdated rules. This event is about starting a conversation that empowers organizations to innovate and grow.”
— Barry O’Riordan, Manager, Economic Development Cowichan

Be Part of the Movement

If you believe in the power of the non-profit sector to change the world, this evening is for you. Reserve your seat today and join us in shaping a future where impact isn’t limited by old ideas.

🎟 Get your tickets here: https://purchase.cowichanpac.ca/EventAvailability?EventId=10001
📌 Event details: https://www.facebook.com/share/1K9Y84pCYm/

Sponsored by Economic Development Cowichan, Cowichan Valley Youth Services, and the Cowichan Valley Regional District.

The post You’re Invited: Uncharitable Screening – A Movement for Sector Change appeared first on CVRD.

Regional Tariff Response Initiative

On September 5, Prime Minister Mark Carney announced new federal measures to protect Canadian businesses from the impacts of global tariffs. These include the Regional Tariff Response Initiative, delivered through Pacific Economic Development Canada (PacifiCan), which provides funding and advisory services to help SMEs boost productivity and reduce costs, build more resilient supply chains, and reach new markets.

Eligible activities under this program include, but are not limited to:

• Investing in digitization, automation, and technology to enhance productivity and competitiveness
• Developing and expanding markets to help businesses find new customers
• Optimizing global supply chain logistics and ensuring compliance with standards to gain market access or enhance sales
• Strengthening domestic supply chains and facilitating internal trade to increase the resilience and competitiveness of businesses and the reliability of domestic markets
• Reshoring production, research and development operations, and recruiting highly qualified personnel and expertise

Visit PacifiCan’s website for more information on the Regional Tariff Response Initiative.

Build Your Own Future

At the provincial level, the Government of British Columbia has expanded its support for workers affected by tariffs through the Build Your Own Future (BYOF) program. Originally focused on the forestry sector, BYOF now supports workers across all industries impacted by U.S. tariffs. The program offers five-day business bootcamps, one-on-one coaching, and mentorship to help displaced workers transition into entrepreneurship. Participants who complete the program are eligible for a $5,000 grant to help cover startup costs.

Delivered by the Northern Innovation Network, BYOF provides foundational training in finance, marketing, operations, customer service, and leadership. Programs are available both in-person and online to ensure accessibility across the province.

Visit the Northern Innovation Network website for more information on the Build Your Own Future program.

Export Navigator Expands with New Specialized Support

In addition to its core advisory services, Export Navigator has introduced two new pilot programs to help businesses respond to trade-related challenges:

• CUSMA Compliance Advisory Services Initiative (CCASI): This initiative supports businesses that trade within North America under the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA). It facilitates access to expert guidance to help companies understand and meet compliance requirements, which is especially important as tariff structures and trade rules evolve. Learn more about the CUSMA Compliance Advisory Services Initiative.
• Technical Specialist Pilot Program: This pilot connects businesses with technical experts who can help solve complex trade-related issues. The program is open to Export Navigator clients who are looking to start exporting or who are already exporting outside BC. Learn more about the Technical Specialist Pilot Program here. Not an Export Navigator client? It’s free to join. Contact our local Export Advisor, Brady Calancie, at brady@exportnavigator.ca.

These pilots are designed to meet the needs of small and medium-sized businesses across sectors, including manufacturing, agriculture, and Indigenous enterprises.

The Government of Canada has launched a consultation on the operation of CUSMA. Canadians are asked to submit their feedback by November 3, 2025. More details on the CUSMA consultation can be found on the Government of Canada’s website.

Access Additional Support

Economic Development Cowichan is committed to helping local businesses navigate these changes. To explore available programs, learn about eligibility, and access personalized support, visit our Navigating Tariffs page:

👉 www.ecdevcowichan.com/navigatingtariffs

Together, we can build a more resilient, inclusive, and future-ready economy for the Cowichan region.

The post New Supports to Help Cowichan Businesses Respond to Tariff Pressures appeared first on CVRD.

Led by the Synergy Foundation, Project Zero has already supported over 60 businesses across diverse sectors. Now, a limited number of free spots are open for businesses in the Cowichan Valley Regional District that operate in the construction, demolition, and manufacturing sectors—industries that play a vital role in our region’s economy and have significant potential for circular innovation.

Why It Matters to Cowichan

Cowichan’s construction, demolition, and manufacturing sectors are foundational to our local economy. These industries generate jobs, support supply chains, and contribute to community resilience. However, they also face increasing pressure to reduce waste, manage resources efficiently, and adapt to changing environmental standards.

The Accelerator Program helps businesses meet these challenges head-on. Over the course of just 5–7 hours spread across 8 weeks, participating businesses receive:

• A site visit from sustainability experts
• A personalized action plan with baseline metrics
• 35+ tailored recommendations to improve efficiency and reduce waste

The Accelerator Program has already identified recommendations that, if implemented, would result in a potential annual impact of:

• 506 tonnes of waste diverted
• 2,525 tonnes of CO₂e emissions reduced
• 47,343 m³ of water saved
• $725,880 in expense savings

Whether it’s cutting down on utility bills, improving waste diversion practices, or exploring emerging technologies, the program helps businesses take practical steps toward sustainability.

A Local Perspective

“The Accelerator Program was extremely helpful in highlighting a path towards circularity for our business. Georgia and Maddy did all the heavy lifting and provided us with valuable insight and data to use as our company continues to grow. I would highly recommend this program!”
– Noah Topp, Business Development Manager, Nexus Modular
2023 Accelerator Program Participant

Check out this video showcasing Nexus’ participation in the Accelerator program.

Get Involved

If you’re a business in the Cowichan region working in construction/demolition or manufacturing, now is the time to take advantage of this opportunity. In response to the uncertainty caused by tariffs, the Accelerator program – valued at $5,500 – is free for the next 8 businesses that sign up. Priority will be given to businesses with significant waste streams.

👉 Book a discovery call or sign up at project-zero.ca/accelerator

Let’s work together to build a stronger, more sustainable Cowichan – one business at a time.

The post Cowichan Businesses are Turning Waste into Opportunity appeared first on CVRD.