SONJA NAGEL
COWICHAN VALLEY – The Duncan Cowichan Chamber of Commerce continues to play a vital role in amplifying the needs of local businesses, not only within the Cowichan Valley, but across the province.
At the 73rd Annual General Meeting of the BC Chamber of Commerce, we joined 171 delegates to discuss the pressing issues facing B.C. businesses, from housing shortages to regulatory reform and infrastructure investment. This year’s theme, Stronger Together, underscored the power of collaboration between chambers, governments, and industries.
For Cowichan, the event marked a new milestone. Duncan Cowichan Chamber President David Van Deventer was acclaimed to the BC Chamber Board of Directors as the Vancouver Island and Gulf Islands representative, ensuring Cowichan businesses have a direct voice in province-wide discussions.
Cowichan’s delegation also co-sponsored key policy resolutions that passed during the AGM, including:
- Refunding WorkSafeBC’s Surplus to Employers, calling for a structured rebate of excess funds while maintaining system integrity
- Reforming the BC Zero Carbon Step Code, advocating for realistic timelines and flexibility in energy choices
- Equitable Health Care Funding, urging redistribution of federal health funds to underserved regions like Cowichan
- Investment in Transportation Corridors, promoting federal investment in green infrastructure at B.C. ports and rail networks
But the Chamber’s advocacy doesn’t begin or end at annual conferences.
Back at home, the Chamber has been active in addressing urgent local concerns. After a fatal collision at the Trans-Canada Highway and Boys Road, our advocacy committee formally requested the installation of dedicated left-turn signals at three Cowichan intersections where ICBC data shows more than 50 percent of collisions result in injury or death. The appeal, backed by regional statistics, calls on the Ministry of Transportation to act before more lives are lost.
When road closures affected access to The Raptor Centre, one of Cowichan’s top tourism draws, we stepped in to initiate a conversation with municipal staff, resulting in increased signage, navigation updates, and provincial coordination to reduce business disruption.
The Chamber also voiced strong support for the Morgan Maples modular housing project on Henry Road, advocating for zoning flexibility that would enable better financing options and help bring more affordable housing to the region.
These examples are part of a broader strategy to make sure business concerns are heard and addressed at every level.
The Chamber’s Advocacy Committee, made up of members and Board representatives, plays a key role in surfacing issues and helping shape the organization’s response. Whether it’s housing, infrastructure, transportation, or red tape reduction, Cowichan’s business community is being represented with a strong, solutions-focused voice.
As the provincial network moves forward with the newly adopted 2025–26 Policies and Positions Manual, the Duncan Cowichan Chamber is proud to be part of the collective effort to shape a more resilient, prosperous future for Cowichan and beyond.
Sonja Nagel is Executive Director of the Duncan Cowichan Chamber of Commerce. She can be reached at 250-748-1111 or manager@duncancc.bc.ca
