Located on Vancouver Island’s east shore, Chemainus is snuggled between a mountain range to the north and the ocean on the east. A town that was born of the hands of labourers, and with its only industry failing in the early 1980s, Chemainus showed the world its true spirit and determination, and was able to not only survive, but achieve fame through the hands of artists.
Such is the condensed history of The Little Town that Did! Mining, fishing and forestry were the original industries that gave work to many Chinese who worked in “bull gangs” struggling to move huge lumber planks to the ships in the late 1800s, and who arrived to work on the Trans Canada Railroad later. Japanese, and later, East Indians blended their cultures with Scots and Germans looking for riches in the mines and staying to work in the forests and on fishing boats. And the beautiful Cowichan Valley has been the home of the original First Nations peoples and their ancestors for countless generations and their history and lives have been interwoven since those first white settlers came to the area.
When the land’s natural resources failed to provide all the necessities of life, a new vision for the future evolved within the inventive people of Chemainus. That vision was to encompass the idea of giant outdoor wall murals in a revitalization strategy. This vision has earned Chemainus worldwide fame as a memorable tourist venue. Such is the incredible story of The Little Town That Did, and the “magic” it has created for all who come here.
– Contributed by Irene Dutton