At the mid-point of the year, the Chemainus Residents Association is gearing up for the fall municipal election and looking for increased community participation.
“We are a small organization and if you like what we are doing please consider giving us a bit of your time,” urges board chair Mark Saunders.
“Our board is a positive group, and we are committed to building community. The more of us involved the more we can do. I will say being part of building something positive is an antidote to the pressures of the times we live in.”
The Association was formed 20 years ago when a group of concerned residents organized to fight North Cowichan’s plan to turn the Echo Heights forest into a residential development. The battle dragged on for several years with the municipality ultimately agreeing to limit development to a small area of the forest.
These days, the CRA finds itself getting involved on several fronts including:
• CRA plays an active role in the Chemainus Collective, a network of local organizations collaborating on shared community issues in Chemainus.
• The Board has been exploring opportunities to engage Chemainus residents in Chemainus River restoration efforts.
• The future of the old elementary school site. Planning is underway for potential affordable housing development.
• The CRA has been working with the Chemainus Collective and Regenerate BC to co-develop a series of community climate action workshops.
• The proposed commercial development at Henry Road and the Trans-Canada Highway.
Climate change and a focus on the environment have always been important areas of interest for the CRA. The Chemainus River Restoration Initiative is bringing a number of organizations together.
“We all live in this watershed and rely on it for water, forests, farming and recreation and it is in difficult shape due to intense land use and increasingly extreme drought conditions,” Saunders points out.
“The Halalt First Nation, the Municipality of North Cowichan and other partners are working together to restore the river, and we would like to engage the community to both learn about the watershed and to contribute to its recovery. Early discussions have focused on potential community involvement in invasive plant removal along the lower Chemainus River.
“Many of you will have walked the spectacular section of the Chemainus estuary off Swallowfield Road. Work would be in this area. Progress has included outreach to partners and exploration of insurance and logistical requirements. While still in the planning stage, this initiative represents a promising opportunity for community-based environmental stewardship.
“Let us know if you are interested in joining the team on the ground,” Saunders adds.
Saunders says the CRA has begun engaging on emerging issues affecting the community. One key concern is the reduction in hours at the Chemainus Library, which has had a noticeable impact on residents who rely on the space.
“The Board is currently undertaking fact-finding work with community members to better understand the basis for these changes and determine whether further action is warranted,” Saunders said.
The CRA’s grant application to the Duncan Dabbers Bingo Society was successful and the Association will be receiving $4,000.
“A huge thank you to board member Heather Devine who prepared and submitted the application,” Saunders said, adding the Chemainus Rotary allowed the CRA to participate in a Chemainus Rotary bottle return day earlier this month.
Looking ahead, the municipal election will be held on October 17, 2026, and one of the most important activities this year will be to host an all-candidates meeting for Chemainus in advance of the elections.
“We want to know what your priorities and issues are for the new council. We will send out a short survey in August and we are considering bringing our membership together in person. We can play a large role in making sure Chemainus gets the representation it needs,” Saunders said.
Susan Menzies recently joined the CRA board and is serving as treasurer. She replaces Jaclyn Casler who has stepped away from the board to run for council in North Cowichan this fall.
For more information about the Chemainus Residents Association contact markwlsaunders@gmail.com