The days of the logging boom are gone, never to return to bring prosperity back to the Cowichan Lake area.
Logging is still an important part of the economy of the area, but is not nearly the mainstay it once was.
Unless there is some kind unlikely and drastic change there will never again be a mill at Youbou, Honeymoon Bay or Mesachie Lake.
It seems equally unlikely that a single industrial player is going to decide to move to town and provide mass employment.
So what is the future of the Cowichan Lake economy?
More than likely it will not be just one thing, it will come from a variety of sources. There will continue to be forestry. There will be great, successful start-ups like South Shore Cabinetry (more such businesses would be entirely welcome). There will be dining establishments, gas stations, and a grocery for locals.
And with amenities such as the Pacific Marine Circle Route, Laketown Ranch, and the beautiful Cowichan Lake itself, tourism is a natural growth area, too.
So the announcement Oct. 19 of $120,000 coming for tourism-related projects is excellent news.
There are lots of things already in the works. There’s the continued development of more events at Laketown Ranch, there’s the Lake Cowichan First Nation’s development plans which include a marina, and has already seen the opening of a canoe/kayak business.
There are great suggestions like the one from Ian Morrison to do simple things like put up signs for people coming off the Circle Route to better find local amenities.
The BC Summer Games, coming next summer to the Cowichan Valley, will hold events at the Lake, a huge opportunity to introduce the area to new visitors who may want to return.
The beautiful Cowichan Lake Arena already brings in tournaments, and people with them.
The jewel in the crown in the lake itself, an amenity you cannot buy.
The promise of beaches, easy access to the Trans Canada Trail and other hikes nearby — these are huge draws the world over for those looking to get away from it all.
Developing amenities and planning for growth in this sector just makes sense.