This will be our last Chamber Newsletter for the summer. Important announcements will still be sent out as needed as well as E-Blasts requested by Chamber Members.

Stay tuned for exciting news about the Chambers Economic Recovery Program that will be rolling out soon!

We hope you all are enjoy your Summer! Stay Safe!

The Town of Ladysmith is looking for your input to improve water conservation and reduce contaminated recycling.

Summer is a busy time so the Town of Ladysmith has extended the Sustainability Survey two more weeks! Have your say now until July 23!

Join them for their Entrepreneur's Guide to Small Business Finance and Resources online on July 20th @ 9:30am to find out more.

The Ladysmith Kinsmen Club, in conjunction with the Ladysmith Celebrations Committee, would like to extend this invitation to you and your organization to participate in our community’s annual Ladysmith Days Parade. The theme is “Mardi-Gras” … theme is not mandatory … the entire weekend is meant for folks to just come out and have fun! Click here for info and to download the Parade Entry Form or pick one up at the Visitor Centre/Chamber Office

For more info visit their website or follow them on Facebook

Do you know of someone that you would like to Nominate for Citizen of the Year? Want to help out in some way? Send them an Email

The Ladysmith Show and Shine committee and the hundreds of guests that will be bringing their classic/vintage/collector vehicles to our historic downtown invite you to come out and see this great family-friendly community event.

Registration forms are available at the Chamber/Visitor Centre or click here to download and for more info.

This years show is dedicated in memory of Bhagwan Mayer.

If you are a vendor, we are taking a different approach this year due to limited space. We are looking for volunteers to help with this event. For any questions regarding this event specifically, please email with SUBJECT: Art Market.

The Arts Council of Ladysmith will be hosting a Ladysmith Art Market on Aug 22nd as well and the road from Robert Street to Gatacre on First Ave will be closed from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm. About 25 artists will be joining this smaller market under 10 x 10 tents and following COVID rules of the day. The Gallery has hired several buskers that will play during the day. This event is smaller than Arts on the Avenue but will attract eager shoppers downtown.

The LDBA is asking all stores be open from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and that cafés let us know your hours so we can direct hungry shoppers in your direction. Please email Andrea and let her know you are participating by August 1st.

Please take this quick (~7 min) survey.

The Tourism Relief Fund, administered by Canada’s regional development agencies and Innovation Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED), supports tourism businesses and organizations adapt their operations to meet public health requirements while investing in products and services to facilitate their future growth. With a budget of $500 million over two years (ending March 31, 2023), including $50 million specifically dedicated to Indigenous tourism initiatives, and $15 million for national initiatives, this fund will position Canada to be a destination of choice when domestic and international travel is once again safe.

On July 13, 2021, the Government of Canada launched the Fund to help job creators and the organizations that support them to future-proof their businesses, build resiliency, and prepare for long-term growth.

Announced in Budget 2021, Canada’s Regional Development Agencies are delivering the $700 million national initiative across Canada. Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD) will deliver this program to help position western Canadian small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) for long-term growth by investing in projects that will:

•Support the transition to a green economy;

•Foster an inclusive recovery;

•Preserve Canada’s competitiveness and future-proof SMEs through digital adoption; and,

•Strengthen capacity in sectors critical to Canada’s recovery and growth.

For more information about the program and how to apply, please visit please visit WD’s Jobs and Growth Fund website or contact a regional office.   

Supports new, innovative and concept driven small capital initiatives that drive new vitality to downtown, Main Street or business districts. Projects should foster increased visitor attraction, resident engagement and increased commercial activity.

Up to $50,000, to a maximum of 100% of the eligible project budget is available.

Funding for this program is provided in partnership with Tourism Vancouver Island (TVI) and the Vancouver, Coast and Mountains tourism region, managed by Destination BC (DBC) as part of StrongerBC: BC’s Economic Recovery Plan.

A full list of eligible services, grant eligibility criteria and application details can be found through Small Business BC, at smallbusinessbc.ca/accessibility-resources

Learn more about Accessibility Legislation in BC here.

To register for the session of your choice, visit www.worksafebc.com/rates and fill in the registration form. You’re welcome to participate in any one of the virtual sessions. Participation is free.