Help Plan the Future of Recreation in the Cowichan Region

Duncan, BC - Recreation is a significant contributor to quality of life and provides numerous personal and community benefits. Residents across the Cowichan region enjoy a high quality of life due to the natural setting as well as the many organizations and individuals working to provide recreational opportunities (including facilities and programs).

The Cowichan Valley Regional District (CVRD) is undertaking a recreation planning project to help assess the current state of services and provide information that can be used to inform future decision making and planning projects. The project will look at recreation services across the electoral areas; the Town of Lake Cowichan; Town of Ladysmith; City of Duncan; and the Municipality of North Cowichan.

“Recreation opportunities are cherished by our residents and attract visitors to the Cowichan region,” explains Chair Jon Lefebure. “I strongly encourage all area residents to participate in the engagement opportunities this fall. Your feedback will help us ensure that future planning can best meet resident needs in an efficient and effective manner.”

Engagement with residents is a critical aspect of the project. Later this month, a resident survey will be available for residents in the Cowichan region to share their perspectives on current and future recreation needs. A postcard with a survey access code and instructions on how to complete the survey online will be sent to households within the Cowichan region. When you receive the postcard, please take the time to complete the survey. While residents are encouraged to complete the survey online as instructed on the postcard, paper copies will also be available at recreation facilities throughout the Cowichan region (including the Island Savings Centre, Cowichan Aquatic Centre, Kerry Park Recreation Centre, Frank Jameson Community Centre and the Cowichan Lake Sports Arena).

In addition to the survey, residents will have the opportunity to provide feedback in a number of other ways this fall:

• PlaceSpeak www.placespeak.com/CowichanRegionRecPlan*Topics will be posted throughout the duration of the project 
• Public Focus Groups being held on the following dates:
• Monday, November 6, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. @ Kerry Park Recreation Centre (Denis McLean Room)
• Tuesday, November 7, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. @ Island Savings Centre (Koksilah Room)
• Wednesday, November 8, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. @ Frank Jameson Community Centre
• Thursday, November 9, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. @ Lake Cowichan Lower Centennial Hall
• Attendance at community events throughout the Cowichan region in October. If you see a representative from the consulting team please take the opportunity to say hello and provide your feedback on recreation.

The recreation planning project is scheduled for completion in early 2018. Additional information on the project, including a project FAQ, can be found by the project website www.cvrd.bc.ca/rec-plan