Initiatives

Parking in Ladysmith – Update

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April 2023: We met with the Town to discuss the ongoing issue of parking. They are working to increase the budget for bylaw enforcement. Reminder to all business owners to please not park in front of your, or other businesses, as a joint effort to reduce the congestion downtown. We are working on a parking promotion to remind the locals of parking etiquette.

We want to make sure that you and your customers have easy access to and know about free downtown parking options.

We would like to ask that all business people, owners and employees please park in the designated parking lots and not on First Avenue and side streets.

We must ensure that there is available parking adjacent to the businesses where customers are shopping and doing business.

Ease of parking is directly related to customer traffic in our stores and businesses, the more easily a customer finds a parking spot near their intended destination, the more likely they are to patronize that business. And we can always use happier customers and more business!

Parking

Notices

Crime Prevention Tips for Downtown

We have been alerted that there have been several incidences downtown that left our members feeling unsafe and exposed. Wes Olson of the RCMP responded below.

. . . .

I’m not sure if the downtown business association is familiar with CPTED (Crime Prevention through Environmental Design).  There are many things a business/homeowner can do to mitigate vandalism and thefts.  Surveillance cameras can catch the act but unless there is a notifying feature on the camera that can alert the person monitoring the system then it is evidence gathering after the fact.  I personally use Arlo Security cameras at my residence which I can monitor on my cell phone and receive alerts when motion triggers the camera to record.  The cameras can be purchased at Best Buy or Costco when they have them.  They work off a rechargeable battery and wi-fi so they can be mounted anywhere and are of good quality.  They have built-in night vision so darkness is not a problem.

Trimming back hedges, removing big objects and improving lighting around buildings are other suggestions.  Roving security patrols are also helpful.  I believe there are security companies locally in the Cowichan Valley that offer this service.  Police patrols can supplement the security patrols when we have time.  Our ability to complete pro-active patrols is dependant upon response to Priority Calls for service and a member’s workload.

One must also be cautious of unreal expectations of what the court will do with an offender if we are successful in charging somebody.  Unfortunately, property crime is not given the same weight as a person’s crime and generally, the punishment does not fit the crime especially in the eyes of the victim.  Our priority offenders know the legal system well and are not fearful of it.

In my 31 years of policing, I have found that making things difficult on an offender is the best way to prevent criminal activity in specific areas.  Offenders are creatures of habit and it’s like having a good fishing hole.  People will keep going back to the same locations until all the fish are gone and then move onto a new target-rich environment.  Locking doors/windows and having a strong covering like metal roller shades or bars, having a security system (alarm and cameras), having a well-lit area and nothing to hide behind are all things that make it difficult for an offender.  They will move on to easier targets especially if their chances of getting caught are greater in one area over another.

Regards,
Wes Olson

W.W. OLSEN, S/Sgt
Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge
Ladysmith Detachment
PO Box 260, 320 6th Ave
Ladysmith, BC V9G 1A2
Tel: 250-245-2215
Fax: 250-245-6060
Wes [dot] olsen [at] rcmp-grc [dot] gc [dot] ca

Initiatives

LDBA Against Racism

The following organizations stand against racism and discrimination.

We believe if we continue to work together to foster a more inclusive society that is both humane and welcoming – that our community will benefit as a whole.

Against Racism

It is our wish that this belief would not only apply to our community but the broader world we all.

In light of recent statements by Cowichan leadership regarding racism in the Cowichan Valley, Downtown Duncan worked with Cowichan Tribes to create a poster that welcomes customers and clients in Hul’q’umi’num. Businesses across the Cowichan region are welcome to post the sign as a show of solidarity.

First Nations sign

Download sign (PDF) »

Read an open letter from Cowichan Tribes »

Cowichan Tribes Q&A for Businesses »

Mukw’ tst ‘o’ slhilhukw, ‘u tu COVID-19 lhxeen
(We’re all in this together)

Thanks / hay ch q’a!

Initiatives

Funding Alert: Launch Online Grant Program

February 4th

Funding for online shops announced yesterday.

The B.C. government has partnered with Alacrity Canada to support small and medium-sized businesses, including regional and indigenous businesses through the new Launch Online Grant Program. The COVID-19 pandemic has shifted how businesses operate, increasing their reliance on online marketing and e-commerce to reach their customers. As the demand for accessing products and services online grows, businesses need the ability to develop, maintain and market an online store to remain competitive and grow.

The Launch Online Grant Program supports businesses by providing up to $7,500 to build or enhance an online shop that will help them retain and attract customers and provide a new source of ongoing revenue. With this funding, B.C. businesses will have the opportunity to grow their businesses in domestic and international markets through digital channels.

See News Release from earlier today for information »

Encourage your local business networks to learn more about this one-time funding opportunity. Applications intake is now open and businesses can submit at https://launchonline.ca/.

Attached social media messages and images, should you wish to promote the program through your social channels as well.

Thanks!

Best,
Cheryl McLay

Regional Manager Vancouver Island/Coast
Regional Economic Operations- Rural Development Unit
Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development
2080 Labieux Road Nanaimo
Phone 250.739.8223
Cell 250.713.5261
Cheryl [dot] McLay [at] gov [dot] bc [dot] ca

Initiatives

Official Community Plan Steering Committee

I am writing to inform you about an exciting opportunity to shape the future of Ladysmith. The Town is undertaking a review of its Official Community Plan (OCP) and is seeking stakeholder representatives for the Official Community Plan Steering Committee. The committee will help guide the review process by providing feedback to staff, consultants and Council.

The Town is seeking representatives for this committee from a diverse range of stakeholder groups, including representatives from the business sector. The committee will meet on an as-needed basis, but not more than twice per month, for a duration of up to 21 months. Please see attached Terms of Reference and application. For further information, please contact Jake Belobaba, Director of Development Services at 250-245-6405 or by email at jbelobaba [at] ladysmith [dot] ca.

Applications may be submitted by:

Thank you in advance for considering this exciting opportunity.

Julie Tierney
Executive Liaison, Town of Ladysmith

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Resources for the Members