This past year has been one of meaningful progress, strong advocacy, and forward momentum for the Ladysmith Chamber of Commerce. Guided by the Chamber’s strategic focus on community prosperity, business resilience, and long-term place-making, we have continued to show up where it matters most — at local tables, regional planning conversations, and federal decision-making processes. Together let’s look at the Chamber’s year in review….
Securing a REDIP Grant for the Ladysmith Train Station Redevelopment:
One of the year’s most significant achievements was the successful acquisition of a REDIP grant to support the Ladysmith Train Station redevelopment project. This milestone reflects years of visioning and partnership-building, and it moves us decisively closer to restoring this historic
asset as a vibrant community hub. The redevelopment will not only preserve a treasured
landmark but will also strengthen Ladysmith’s role as a destination, support local economic
activity, and create a welcoming, multi-use space for residents, visitors, and businesses alike.
Professional Growth and Chamber Leadership: Achieving A.C.E. Designation:
This year also included a personal milestone that directly strengthens the Chamber’s capacity and credibility. I was proud to receive my Accredited Chamber Executive (A.C.E.) designation, a
nationally recognized standard of professional excellence in chamber leadership. This training and certification deepen the Chamber’s ability to deliver informed governance, effective
advocacy, and high-impact programming in a rapidly changing economic environment. It reflects our commitment to strong, modern leadership in service of our membership and community.
Federal Advocacy Success at FOPO:
On the advocacy front, the Chamber achieved a major win at the federal level. Through successful witness testimony to the FOPO Standing Committee (Fisheries and Oceans), the Ladysmith Chamber put forward clear, community-based recommendations regarding derelict and abandoned boats. We are pleased to see several of our recommendations reflected in the Committee’s
Derelict and Abandoned Boat Policy Report to FOPO. This is a powerful example of how local voices, backed by evidence and grounded in real coastal realities, can influence national policy. It also reinforces Ladysmith’s role as a leader in marine stewardship and coastal economic
resilience.
Strengthening Marine Tourism Through Marina Collaboration:
Marine tourism continues to be a vital part of Ladysmith’s economy, and this year the Chamber worked alongside all marinas in Ladysmith to address opportunities, challenges, and the growing economic footprint of marine visitation. By building alignment with marina operators and related stakeholders, we are helping ensure Ladysmith remains a welcoming, well-supported destination for boaters and marine travelers. This collaboration positions the community to better capture tourism benefits, support local businesses, and plan proactively for sustainable marine growth.
Community-Level Service and Destination Leadership:
Alongside our advocacy work, the Chamber continues to deliver strong community-facing
services that help make Ladysmith a welcoming place to live, work, and visit. Through the Visitor Centre and destination marketing, we continue to provide year-round visitor services, promoting local businesses, and continue to keep an up-to-date community calendar connecting residents and visitors to events in every season.
We continue to deliver and support signature initiatives like the Ladysmith Magical Light Up Tour, while also assisting newcomers, prospective businesses, and new Chamber members as they settle into our community. Lastly, behind the scenes, we continue to provide practical public
services many people don’t realize, including processing marriage licenses.
Working with CWRG on Employment-Gap Funding:
Throughout the year, we also advanced regional economic development by working closely with the CWRG initiative (Community Workforce Response Grant) to explore funding and solutions for employment gaps across our region. Labour shortages and skills mismatches remain one of the greatest barriers to business growth, service delivery, and community sustainability. Our
involvement in this work ensures Ladysmith employers are represented in regional funding
discussions and that real-world workforce needs are shaping future programs. We see this
collaboration as essential to building a healthier local labour market and supporting both current businesses and future investment.
Together, these achievements demonstrate a year defined by partnership, credibility, and results. The Ladysmith Chamber continues to lead with purpose, bridging the needs of business with the priorities of community, and ensuring Ladysmith is heard at every level of decision-making. We head into the coming year confident in our direction and energized by what we can build together.
Respectfully,
Roberta Bowman
Executive Director
Ladysmith Chamber of Commerce
roberta@ladysmithcofc.com