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Who we are
Emergency resilience is our priority.

The Cowichan area has a Regional Emergency Program that includes nine electoral areas, four municipalities and works collaboratively with the First Nations. We are a local and regional government service that focuses on emergency management. Our goal is to lead the communities throughout the Cowichan region to prepare, respond, recover and mitigate for emergency or disaster situations.

The following regions include:
A – Mill Bay, Malahat
B – Shawnigan Lake
C – Cobble Hill, Arbutus Ridge
D – Cowichan Bay, Cherry Point, Koksilah Village
E – Eagle Heights, Sahtlam, Glenora, Cowichan Station
F – Honeymoon Bay, Mesachie Lake, Caycuse
G – Saltair
H – North Oyster, Yellowpoint
I – Youbou
City of Duncan, District of North Cowichan, Town of Ladysmith, Town of Lake Cowichan

News & Updates
Gala Vista Apartment Fire

August 22, 2026

On August 21, 2026 at approximately 2:30 am, the North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP, Duncan Fire Department, North Cowichan Fire Department and Cowichan Bay Fire Department attended a structure fire on Government St. in Duncan. The structure fire was contained to one building and evacuation of all tenants was required. Damage was sustained to the building is under investigation. Emergency Management Cowichan was activated to assist with displacement of residents. Emergency Management Cowichan is providing the following update regarding the Gala Vista Apartment Fire:

  • The condition and safety of the building is being assessed today by the building owner today. More information will be available directly to impacted residents tomorrow, once the assessment is complete.
  • For Gala Vista residents currently receiving Emergency Support Services (ESS), EMC will contact affected residents tomorrow morning directly to discuss extending those supports, if required.
  • Emergency Management Cowichan is not accepting donations at this time. For community members wishing to support those impacted by the Gala Vista Apartment fire, please consider the following:
    • The Cowichan Basket Society is offering support to many impacted residents and is accepting cash and food donations.
    • Clothing or cash donations can be made through the Free Store. The Free Store is not open to the general public at this time.
Please keep an eye on Emergency Management Cowichan’s social media channels and webpage for further updates as more information becomes available.

We are stronger when we help each other.

The Cowichan Valley is a stronger community when we help each other. In the event of an emergency, it is vital that there are dedicated teams of staff and volunteers ready to assist.

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Current Burning Permissions
There is currently a fire ban for the Cowichan area. A fire ban includes Category 1 campfire, Category 2, and Category 3 open fire. All of these fire types are strictly prohibited in the Cowichan area.
CATEGORY 3
CATEGORY 2
CATEGORY 1 CAMPFIRE
FIRE BAN
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Regional Water Use Restrictions
During drought conditions, your water system operator may introduce water use restrictions to conserve limited water supplies. There are four stages of water restrictions which are coordinated across the Cowichan Valley. Local conditions may sometimes require a higher stage of water restrictions on certain systems.
No Restrictions
Stage 1 Restrictions
Stage 2 Restrictions
Stage 3 Restrictions
Stage 4 Restrictions
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