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Ladysmith is a charming small town with a thriving economy, vibrant downtown and picturesque waterfront, whose welcoming neighbourhoods reflect the quality of our citizens.

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Aug 13, 2018

Stage 3 Water Restrictions Now in Effect

Stage 3 Watering Restrictions are now in effect for Ladysmith, the Diamond, Stz'uminus First Nation and the Cowichan Valley Regional District.

This is a proactive measure to make sure there is plenty of water available in the event of a wildfire, given the extended hot, dry weather and the extreme fire danger rating throughout the region.  

Recent fires in the area have highlighted the potential for interface fires and the need to ensure water supply in the event that one of these fires occurs on the border of Ladysmith

At the end of July, the Town saw some of the highest daily water demands that we have experienced in several years.  Moving to Stage 2 did reduce this demand considerably, but water demand is still high. 

The reservoir level comparison chart for Holland Lake  shows that this year's water consumption is consistent with or slightly lower than 2014, 2015 and 2016, but still higher than in other years (2018 is the heavy red line in the chart - click to enlarge).

When we make decisions about water restrictions, we take a number of factors into account.  These include weather projections (both short- and long-term), water usage levels in the community, and the likelihood of a major fire event that will need a lot of water to fight.  It is a balancing act, because of course we do not wish to be too restrictive on our citizens while making sure there is enough water for extremely high demand situations. 

Current weather predictions indicate that the hot dry weather will continue for some time and the long-term projection seems to imply a dryer than normal winter.  

We encourage all residents to be water wise throughout the year - with just a little effort, we can reduce our water use by as much as 40 per cent.

For simple water saving tips, please visit our water conservation page.

Please note also that TimberWest has closed gate access to its forest lands due to the extreme fire danger and the risk of interface fires.  Visit their website for full information and updates.

https://www.timberwest.com/timberwest-reminds-public-of-forest-closures-due-to-extreme-fire-risk-and-ongoing-wildfires/

2018.08.13 Stage 3 Watering Restrictions are now in effect for Ladysmith
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OFFICIAL COMMUNITY PLAN

Ladysmith Unparalleled 2049. Our Vision. Our Plan.

The Town of Ladysmith has updated its Official Community Plan (OCP) to help manage growth and change in a way that helps our community meet its goals

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2023-2026 STRATEGIC PLAN

The Town of Ladysmith's 2023-2026 Strategic Plan is a progressive vision set by Council for improving the lives of residents in a thriving town, and provides clear direction and focus for Council and staff over the current term.

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Aaron Stone

Mayor

Your Elected Officials

MAYOR & COUNCIL

MEET YOUR COUNCIL

Council is proud to serve the over 9,000 residents who call the Town of Ladysmith home. Mayor and Council meet regularly as both Council and the Committee of the Whole.  As part of their duties as elected officials, members of Council also serve on various boards and committees, including: the Cowichan Valley Regional District, Vancouver Island Regional Library Board, Community Planning Advisory Committee, Ladysmith Chamber of Commerce, Youth Advisory Committee, and several more.

  • Councillor Gourlay (1)

    Ray Gourlay

    Councillor

  • amanda-jacobson

    Amanda Jacobson

    Councillor

  • tricia-mckay

    Tricia McKay

    Councillor

  • duck-paterson

    Duck Paterson

    Councillor

  • marsh-stevens

    Marsh Stevens

    Councillor

  • jeff-virtanen

    Jeff Virtanen

    Councillor