We are excited to share the progress being made on the Ladysmith Train Station Redevelopment Project, a $1 million initiative funded through the Rural Economic Diversification and Infrastructure Program (REDIP), in partnership with the Island Corridor Foundation.

Project Milestones to Date:

• May 2025– Received REDIP funding of $1 million
• July–August 2025– Issued an RFP for a Master Planner and hired DAUStudio.
• September 2025– Hosted a HiRail bus in Ladysmith, sparking conversations around new possibilities for regional connection, accessibility, and sustainable transportation between Nanaimo, Ladysmith, and Chemainus

Next Steps:

• Fall 2025 Issue an RFP for early site preparation, mobilization and construction hoarding.
• Late 2025– Issue an RFP for full construction services
• 2026– Begin major renovations on the train station.
• Continue fundraising efforts, with $200,000 still needed to meet our $1.2 million project budget.

This redevelopment will not only preserve an important piece of Ladysmith’s heritage but also create a vibrant new home for the Ladysmith Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Centre—strengthening tourism, economic growth, and community connection.

Community Conversations at the Station

Community Conversations at the Station

The Ladysmith Chamber of Commerce and the Island Corridor Foundation were pleased to welcome community members today for a lively “chit chat and show-and-tell” at the historic Ladysmith Station. The gathering provided an opportunity to share ideas, spark conversation, and explore possibilities for the future of this much-loved community landmark.



One idea that captured the imagination of many was the introduction of a hi-rail bus — a unique vehicle that can travel both on traditional roads and along rail lines. This innovative concept is opening up important conversations about connection, accessibility, and sustainable innovation, while also highlighting the potential for new tourism experiences that could draw visitors to Ladysmith and the surrounding region.

September Mixer @ Ladysmith Golf Course Recap

We had a fantastic turnout at our first Chamber Business Mixer of the season!

Attendees enjoyed a round of golf, pizza provided by Roberts Street Pizza, beer by Bayview Brewing, and an evening of meaningful community connection with fellow chamber members and their guests!

Huge thank you to our excellent hosts, Ladysmith Golf Club

and to our sponsors:

Sponsored by Phase Environmental

Beer Sponsored by: Bayview Brewing

Pizza Sponsored by Roberts Street Pizza

Couldn’t make it to this mixer? No worries, stay tuned for details about our upcoming October Mixer hosted by Budget Blinds!!

Support the 2025 Tour de Rock – Adopt-a-Rider Program!

The Ladysmith Chamber is proud to sponsor the Adopt-a-Rider program in support of the Canadian Cancer Society’s Cops for Cancer Tour de Rock.

For just $100, you can back this inspiring cause, support pediatric cancer research, help send kids to Camp Good Times, and be recognized at the Red Serge Dinner when the riders arrive in Ladysmith.

Your sponsorship includes dinner, signage with your business name/logo, and a photo with your rider..

Chamber Membership Drive: Help Us Grow the Chamber Community

We’re excited to kick off our September Membership Drive, and we’d love your help! If you know a business that would benefit from being part of the Ladysmith Chamber, now is the perfect time to invite them to join.

Special Promotion:

New members who pre-pay for a 2026 membership will receive the remainder of 2025 free!

By joining, businesses gain access to:

• Exclusive member perks
• Members-only advertising opportunities
• Networking connections that spotlight and support their business
• A strong voice in the community and advocacy on issues that matter to local business

Please share this promotion with your business contacts—together, we can grow our Chamber community and strengthen our local business network.

250-245-2112 | roberta@ladysmithcofc.com

Food Truck Fall Extension Update!

Thank you to the Town of Ladysmith for supporting this initiative and allowing us extend the concession into the fall!



We are actively looking for more food trucks to participate in our fall extension. If you’re interested, or you know someone who might be, please reach out to Roberta 250-245-2112 or email to discuss the opportunity.

Mizu Real Fruit Ice Cream will tend to all your ice cream needs down at Transfer Beach on weekends from September 21st until November (exact end date to be announced!).

Please note that on September 27th and 28th Mizu will be at the beach from 3PM-7PM instead of the regular 11AM-7PM.

Your Brand at the Heart of Every Event in Ladysmith

Be the Name Behind Ladysmith’s New Community Calendar

The Ladysmith Chamber and Tourism Ladysmith are launching a long-requested Community Calendar — a central hub for tourism events, local happenings, and business activities.

We’re seeking one exclusive sponsor to make this possible. Gain year-round visibility, recognition across both Chamber and Tourism channels, and be celebrated as the leader behind this much-needed resource.

Contact us at 250-245-2112 or roberta@ladysmithcofc.com to secure this rare opportunity.

Islander - Partial Road Closure Notice for 1st Avenue

Please be advised that due to construction work at The Islander project on the

date mentioned below, 1st Avenue will have the southbound lane closed and

tra!ic management personnel will be directing tra!ic through the northbound

lane. The single lane closure will be between Gatacre Street and High Street.

Closure Date(s) & Time:

Date(s): September 29, 2025

Time: 8:15am – 2:00pm

Warning for Chamber Member Businesses

Lately, businesses in BC have been getting emails and letters claiming they’ve “won” or been “selected” for an award. Sounds exciting — but there’s a catch.

These are vanity award scams. Here’s how they work:

• You get a surprise message congratulating you.

• The award comes from an unknown or vague organization.

• To accept, you’re asked to pay for a certificate, plaque, press release, or directory listing.

• Some even push “premium marketing packages” worth hundreds of dollars.

Red flags: no nomination process, no judges, urgent “act now” language, and an award that disappears if you don’t pay.

Advice from the Better Business Bureau:

• Don’t pay to accept unsolicited awards.

• Do your research before promoting any “award-winning” claim.

• Warn your staff so they don’t get tricked.

Consumers: be cautious when you see “award-winning” claims online. Ask where the award came from.

Businesses: build credibility through real associations, local Chambers, or community recognition — not by buying fake awards.

Please share this with fellow business owners. Let’s stop these scams before they spread further. 🌿

Community Futures Cowichan SAVVY CEO Program

Savvy CEO strengthens your confidence and leadership habits so you can make sharper decisions, navigate tough conversations, and scale with confidence

Savvy CEO is about getting clarity, building confidence, and improved communication skills to really drive your business.

It is a seven-session program for women with 3+ years in business who want to lead with greater confidence—and see it show up on the bottom line. Expect practical tools, a personal leadership playbook, and a tight peer circle that keeps you accountable.

Savvy CEO Pre-requisite:

1. You have been in business 3+ years.

2. Operate your business in the Cowichan Valley.

INVESTMENT:

Three hours -once a month

3pm to 6pm - the Second Thursday of the month.

Starts October 9th and Finishes April 9th.

Program fee is $150 (with Monthly payment options available).

Future-Proof Your Small Business with AI:

Free Upskilling Program Now Open

Small businesses across Central Vancouver Island face increasing challenges—staffing shortages, limited digital skills, and overwhelming workloads that leave little room for growth. In a rapidly evolving digital landscape, businesses that do not adopt new technologies risk falling behind. However, integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital tools does not have to be complicated or expensive. A new initiative is here to help.

Introducing the AI Upskilling for Small Businesses Program



Community Futures Central Island, in collaboration with Hufnagel Consulting and funded by the Province of British Columbia, is launching the AI Upskilling for Small Businesses program. Designed specifically for small businesses, solopreneurs, and nonprofits in the Regional District of Nanaimo—including Qualicum, Ladysmith, Parksville, Lantzville, and Gabriola Island—this program provides practical, hands-on training to help organizations embrace AI with confidence.

BC Chamber: Embracing Truth: Honouring the National Day for Reconciliation

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is a day for Canadians to commemorate the history and legacy of the residential school system. In this spirit, we are honoured to invite you to the virtual event, "Embracing Truth: Honouring the National Day for Reconciliation," with guest speaker Chief David Jimmie of Squiala First Nation. Hosted by the BC Chamber of Commerce, this event is a step towards fostering understanding, collaboration, and reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities in British Columbia.

Join the BC Chamber over Zoom on Thursday, September 25, 2025, from 8.30am to 10.00am (PT) for an opportunity to contribute to ongoing reconciliation efforts.