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Life in Ladysmith

Life in Ladysmith

Ladysmith is a picturesque, historic seaside community with small town charm. We’re tucked in at the base of hillsides and fronted by a beautiful harbour on mid-Vancouver Island. Nature surrounds us.

Our Mediterranean-like climate brings dry, sunny summers and mild winters. It’s perfect for exploring all year-round. And it’s one of the many reasons liveable, loveable Ladysmith is a great place to work, play and call home.  We’re famous for our views, walking trails, our heritage and our culture. We’re also known for straddling the 49th Parallel that divides Canada and the U.S. (Want a photo of the marker? Head to our Aggie Plaza near downtown.)

The West Coast lifestyle awaits you in Ladysmith. Surrounded by nature, we offer a full range of services and amenities for visitors and our population of 9,417 proud residents. You can easily walk, bike or drive in our community. It’s a perfect place for families and people of all ages and abilities.  The heart of Ladysmith is First Avenue, one of Canada’s Great Streets. It combines character buildings, brick paver sidewalks, unique boutiques and shops, and gathering places. Where else can you find a giant outdoor chessboard, industrial-era artifacts and playgrounds within a few blocks?

OUR CULTURE

Ladysmith is a community defined by artistic expression. You’ll find that arts, culture, First Nations heritage and our rich history all come alive here. Two major initiatives will help make that connection even stronger. The municipality has begun a multi-million-dollar Arts and Heritage Hub project. And Ladysmith Arts Council is drafting a public arts strategy. Both aim to better the quality of life for our residents and visitors.

The centre of our cultural community is the landmark Machine Shop. It was built in 1943. It houses Ladysmith Waterfront Gallery, Harbour Heritage Centre and artist studios for your enjoyment. The arts council and Ladysmith Maritime Society both have offices there.  The Hub project will create even more of a gathering place in the area. Its vision anticipates a raised boardwalk and new studio spaces and shops. They’ll surround a restored Machine Shop and steam locomotive. The project will be done in phases.

You’ll also enjoy the benefits of the public arts strategy. It unites local artists, arts and culture organizations, schools and community members, and Stz’uminus First Nation. The initiatives reflect the value we place on culture. Whatever your passion, you can indulge it thanks to our many visual and performing artists.

COMMUNITY RESOURCES

Ladysmith is a caring and proud community. We’re known for our volunteer spirit and offer you many opportunities to get involved with your friends and neighbours. Service clubs, support groups, churches, recreation and cultural organizations – you’ll find them all in our community resources listing.

Be sure to check out Ladysmith Resources Centre Association. “The Heart on the Hill” provides services that enhance the quality of life in our area. Support programs range from mental health to seniors to community safety.

EDUCATION

Whatever your educational needs may be, you’ll find them here in Ladysmith. Our public schools are part of the Nanaimo-Ladysmith School District 68. They include:

Ladysmith Secondary

Ladysmith Intermediate

Ladysmith Primary

Ecole North Oyster Elementary,

a dual-track school offering French Immersion and English programs

Students here also can enroll in Island ConnectED. It provides kindergarten to Grade 12 distance learning in a non-traditional setting. Vancouver Island University has campuses in Nanaimo and Duncan. Both are about 30km from Ladysmith.

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Ladysmith has many medical care options. Ladysmith Community Health Centre (formerly Ladysmith Hospital) is our primary health care centre. It provides a range of health and community services in one central location. You can also see a doctor at local medical clinics. Two hospitals are about 30 km away. Nanaimo Regional Hospital is to the north of Ladysmith, and Cowichan District Hospital is to the south. Our community has other health and wellness specialists too. They include chiropractors, optometrists, pharmacists, physiotherapists and naturopaths.

HOUSING & RELOCATION

Home prices in Ladysmith are some of the most affordable on Vancouver Island. You can get a lot of house for your money. Combined with everything else our seaside community offers, it’s no wonder our population has grown rapidly. Ladysmith real estate has also proven to be a good investment. Its value has increased steadily over the last few years.

Benchmark price for residential property, October 2019

Ladysmith

$480,800

Cowichan Valley
$485,300
Comox Valley
$531,400
Nanaimo
$559,500
Parksville-Qualicum
$583,900
Victoria
$756,300
Vancouver
$992,000

Source: Vancouver Island Real Estate Board, Victoria Real Estate Board, Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver

RELOCATION RESOURCES

Thinking of moving here? Check out the Ladysmith Relocation Guide. You can find printed copies, and get more help, at the Ladysmith Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Centre. Ladysmith Newcomers Club is also ready to welcome you to our community.

VIEW LADYSMITH REAL ESTATE

TRANSPORTATION & WEATHER

Ladysmith bus service provides an affordable and green way to get where you want to go. BC Transit routes serve our community and can connect you to nearby Cowichan (Chemainus, Duncan) and Nanaimo. For information on times and fares, visit the Cowichan Trip Planner or the Nanaimo Trip Planner. You can also call a taxi or private bus and shuttles to drive you to ferries, airport and other Island communities.

Our temperate Mediterranean-like climate delivers a whopping 295 days of bright sunshine on average each year. Summers are sunny and dry; winters are mild with very little snow. (Though ski hills are only two hours away.) Temperatures average a comfortable 18.1°C in July and a balmy 3.5°C in January. It makes outdoor recreation a year-round activity.