Ladysmith is transforming its historic logging machine shop into a vibrant Arts & Heritage hub. The initiative to repurpose the old machine shop stemmed from the nation-to-nation waterfront redevelopment plans between the Town of Ladysmith and Stz’uminus First Nation. The vision for the waterfront is built upon the Hul’q’umi’num’ saying ltst uw’hw-nuts’ ul-wum (we are working as one), to bring Stz’uminus and Ladysmith communities together to build a shared legacy that enriches public life, creativity and economic activity.

Ladysmith’s logging machine shop holds a special place in the town’s history. As far back as 1943, it served as a vital hub for the forestry industry. The bright blue machine shop, located on Oyster Bay Drive, was more recently used (until 2019) as an art gallery, with studio spaces for artists, a museum, and a classroom space.

The Town of Ladysmith previously received $3,307,500 through the Federal government’s Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP)- Rural and Northern Communities for Hub projects. The shop is poised to become a focal point for creativity, culture, and commerce and is expected to open before the spring of 2026. The Arts & Heritage Hub Design Steering Committee, with guidance from Stz’uminus Elders, collaborated with an architectural firm to finalize a studio design, including floorspace mapping and landscaping features.

The building’s plan includes various spaces to attract people to the area, including artist studios set up for long-term rental, an indoor display area for public art and cultural installations, a public meeting space, and a multipurpose teaching space equipped with a sink.

The Town also intends to complete to following upgrades to the building:

  • Two accessible washrooms—ground and upper floors.
  • New windows across the entire front of the building helping further improve energy efficiency and lowering utility costs for tenants.
  • Landscaping and rehabilitations of the outdoor performance space to the south of the building.
  • An accessible 200 ft boardwalk fronting the building.
  • All related works such as mechanical, electrical, plumbing and fire safety to meet the BC Building Code requirements.

In a recent media release, Mayor of the Town of Ladysmith, Aaron Stone, said:

“Reactivation of the Machine Shop is an important step forward for our thriving arts and culture scene and the Arts & Heritage Hub component of the Waterfront Area Plan.”

By embracing its heritage, fostering creativity, and nurturing community spirit, Ladysmith in partnership with Stz’uminus First Nation, are charting a course toward a vibrant-sustainable future. As the Arts & Heritage Hub takes shape, it will serve as a source of inspiration for other regional communities seeking to revitalize their historic landmarks and cultural assets.

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135 Third Street
Duncan, BC
Canada V9L 1R9
edc@cvrd.bc.ca
T 250.746.7880
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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