Community Services

Overview 
The Community Services Department is comprised of five divisions:  Arts and Culture, Cowichan Lake Recreation, the Cowichan Community Centre, South Cowichan Recreation (Kerry Park Recreation Centre and Shawnigan Lake Community Centre), and Facilities and Transit.  The Department is a leader in our region on initiatives like sustainable recreation facility funding, sport tourism, growing the arts, and developing a physical literacy strategy, giving residents the competence and confidence to participate in physical activity for life.

Arts & Culture


The Arts & Culture Division plays a vital role in enhancing the cultural vitality of the Cowichan Region. Responsible for operating the Cowichan Performing Arts Centre, a 731-seat theatre with the largest stage on Vancouver Island, the Arts & Culture Division also provides funding for sub-regional arts councils and provides regional Arts & Culture Grants-In-Aid for eligible arts and culture organizations. 

Cowichan Lake Recreation

    
The Cowichan Lake Recreation Division manages five complexes in four different communities, including an NHL size arena; curling facility; bowling alley; and four community halls. These complexes have public rentable spaces that are also used for recreation programs, training classes, meetings and special events. The Cowichan Lake Recreation Division books ball fields on behalf of the Town of Lake Cowichan and CVRD Electoral Areas I and F; provides catering and bar services; sells dog tags, bus passes, and rents out tables and chairs. Staff are happy to assist you with all of your recreational needs. Visit us today!

Cowichan Community Centre

    
The Cowichan Community Centre is a multi-use facility that includes a 1240 seat arena which is home to the Cowichan Capitals Junior A Hockey Club; a gymnasium; a variety of multipurpose spaces and classrooms; the Cowichan Performing Arts Centre; Duncan Dynamics Gymnastic Club; and Vancouver Island Regional Library's Cowichan Branch. The Cowichan Community Centre is a hub for year round sports, recreation and culture, and is situated in Cowichan Place, adjacent to the Cowichan Aquatic Centre, Cowichan Secondary School, and Vancouver Island University.

South Cowichan Recreation

 
The South Cowichan Recreation Division manages Kerry Park Recreation and Shawnigan Lake Community Centre. The facilities include an NHL size arena,  curling facility,  sport field complex, skateboard park, gymnasium, social lounge and variety of multipurpose spaces and classrooms. The facilities are utilized in a number of ways including user groups, service clubs, recreation programs,  meetings, private rentals and special events.   

Facilities & Transit

    
Facilities:
The Facilities Division provides facility and property maintenance, janitorial and operating services as well as assists with capital projects for the CVRD head office building, CVRD recreation centres, and community halls. 
Transit:
Management of the Cowichan Valley Regional Transit System is achieved through a partnership between the CVRD, BC Transit and local operating companies. Together we operate a highly successful system providing over 475,000 rides per year, with 31 buses delivering passengers safely throughout the region.