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Concerns about 4VI community assessment of Lake Cowichan quashed

Council satisfied with the information provided
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4VI presented their Community First Impressions Report — that had been conducted in mid-July 2022 — at the Cowichan Lake District Chamber of Commerce’s Jan. 18 meeting. (File photo)

When Lake Cowichan mayor and council first saw the results of 4VI’s First Impressions community assessment they were upset at the tourism organization’s lack of consultation with the area’s stakeholders.

“That was the concern with the majority at the table, to not even approach the town as a major shareholder,” explained Mayor Tim McGonigle. “We have invited them to come as a delegation to us and try to clarity some of the subjects in there,” he said following the release of the First Impressions document. “There were some deficiencies that staff and council feel that could be addressed.”

During town council’s Dec. 13 committee of the whole meeting, chief administrator Joe Fernandez explained to council he felt the report was “reckless” and failed to identify components such as Lakeview Park, the Cowichan Lake Education Centre, economic initiatives and inclusion of the town’s strategic plan.

Since then, however, things have changed.

Formerly known as Tourism Vancouver Island, 4VI presented their Community First Impressions Report — that had been conducted in mid-July 2022 — at the Cowichan Lake District Chamber of Commerce’s Jan. 18 meeting.

Brian Cant, vice president of business impact and engagement for 4VI said the chamber meeting “was productive.”

Cant said the field data collected during the 4VI member during their July 2022 visit was used to provide suggestions for Lake Cowichan’s tourism development opportunities.

“Overall, the surveyor was left with a positive impression of Lake Cowichan and many aspects of the village exceeded expectations,” Cant said.

Other things could use some work, he added.

“While not every recommendation is something that would be actioned, or completed immediately, the report serves only to provide suggestions, not requirements for any community,” Cant explained. “We continue to work with the businesses and residents of Lake Cowichan to ensure that our destination management for the Tourism Cowichan Region is integrated with all communities.”

McGonigle said two members of council attended the chamber meeting as chamber members.

“An update of the presentation was provided to council and the information shared answered a number of questions that arose regarding the report,” McGonigle explained. “The report was based on a secret shopper basis, first impressions of the visit. Although council saw some discrepancies in the report, council felt satisfied with the information provided by those who attended.”

The mayor said an invitation for 4VI to attend a council meeting has been delayed for now.

“We will continue to monitor the details presented in the report for future reference,” he said.