SHAWNIGAN LAKE – Four lakeview seating areas, public art, and cycling infrastructure will enhance connectivity between Shawnigan’s village centre and nearby lakeshore, with funding support from the THRIVE Small Capital Program.
This project represents the first phase in a comprehensive plan to develop the Village as a complete community, create a vibrant tourism sector, and revitalize the small business core. Connectivity between the village and the lakeside walking/cycling trail was identified as a priority through a robust engagement process initiated in 2019 and updated during the pandemic.
“Projects that enhance accessibility and walkability, while creating more ways to gather outdoors, help communities boost resiliency during and post-pandemic,” says ICET Board Chair Aaron Stone. “These improvements will also support year-round visitor and local activity, which is a key aspect of the THRIVE Program.”
Funding will be used to create four distinct seating and viewscape sites along the ‘all ages and abilities’ waterfront Rail Trail park area adjacent to the Shawnigan Village commercial core. Outdoor seating will consist of colourful benches, tables and chairs, which will be coordinated across each site to symbolically connect the four viewing portals.
“Shawnigan Lake is a popular summer destination with expanding shoulder season potential thanks to upgrades to walking and cycling infrastructure, and nearby attractions such as the Kinsol Trestle and Malahat SkyWalk,” says Anthony Everett, President & CEO, Tourism Vancouver Island. “The integrated viewpoint approach will resonate with visitors and locals alike.”
The funding will also be used to acquire unique and artistically designed bicycle racks, which will function as public art, and will improve cycling access to the Village. The project team will work with the Cowichan South Arts Guild, First Nations and CVRD Parks Division staff to review design options for sculptural bike racks which represent the community and history of the Village.
“The outdoor amenity space will allow for visitors and customers in the Village to stroll a block to the lakeside after purchasing food from local vendors where they can sit comfortably outside and enjoy the view of our beautiful lake,” says Garry Horwood, President of the Shawnigan Residents Association. “These small improvements will build momentum and support for further implementation of the Shawnigan Village Plan.”
The project is set to get underway shortly.
