COWICHAN VALLEY REGIONAL DISTRICT
SOUTH COWICHAN WATER PLAN STUDY
V19830100 : Rev B : 11 February 2009
Page 33
3.1.3
Cowichan Watershed
The Cowichan watershed is the most densely populated watershed in the Study Area, supporting a
population of 6,400 people on an area of approximately 3,000 hectares. The Cowichan watershed may
also be the most complex in terms of municipal planning regulations, because it straddles the boundaries
of Electoral Areas A, C, D, and E (Figure 13).
The Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR) accounts for 66 percent of the total land area in the Cowichan
watershed, and 41 percent of the ALR is presently cultivated for agricultural and horticultural use. The
remaining 34 percent of the watershed is in residential or commercial use. Major communities are Cobble
Hill, Arbutus Ridge, and Cowichan Bay. Cowichan Bay is the only community in the South Cowichan area
with full sewer and water servicing, which makes it an attractive region for future residential development
(
Tippett, pers. comm., 2008).
The Cowichan watershed contains four Cowichan Tribes reserves that support approximately 45
residential units. The Tribes are considering developing a resort and day spa near Kiltahlis Beach during
the next 15 years. Minimal development of other reserve land is presently proposed (Elliott, pers. comm.,
2008).
The Tribes are concerned with sewage disposal in Cowichan Bay and oppose plans to pump
sewage into Satellite Channel.
Cowichan Bay currently relies on its 1986 Official Settlement Plan for controlling land use and
development. Drafting of a new OCP for the Cowichan Bay area is scheduled to begin in late 2008
(
Tippett, pers. comm., 2008).
3.2
Recreat ional Use
Easy access from Victoria and Nanaimo to the South Cowichan region’s lakes and rivers, and its warm
climate that earned Cowichan its nickname, “The Warm Land”, make the area popular for many
recreational enthusiasts.
Shawnigan Lake is a popular recreational spot for fishing, water skiing, canoeing, kayaking, and
swimming. The Lake accommodates the Victoria Aqua Ski Club, which uses Shawnigan Lake for training
and competitions
(
British Columbia Travel and Discovery website). Cross-country skiing, hiking,
horseback riding, 4x4 adventures, and motorcycling are also popular activities around Shawnigan Lake.
Four provincial parks and one regional park are located in the Study Area, including:
West Shawnigan Lake Provincial Park (Shawnigan watershed);
Memory Island Provincial Park (Shawnigan watershed);
Spectacle Lake Provincial Park (Saanich Inlet watershed);
Bamberton Provincial Park (Saanich Inlet watershed); and
Trans-Canada Trail Regional Park (Shawnigan watershed).
