Cowichan River staircase to benefit locals and tourists alike in Lake Cowichan - Chemainus Valley Courier

A staircase at the Cowichan River in Lake Cowichan has been installed to create a safer, less muddy exit from the river at Central Park ahead of the summer swimming and tubing season. The Town of Lake Cowichan says the $7,581 project improves access to the area, which is one of the community’s most popular recreation spots. The work had originally been planned for 2025 but was delayed because installation depended on the salmon spawning window, allowing construction only once spawning permitted on June 15. Coun. Aaron Frisby said the project demonstrates how tourism infrastructure can also benefit local residents. Frisby also noted efforts to support river users with washroom access along the route and said new bear-resistant garbage bins—about seven installed at roughly $7,000 each—are being added to reduce wildlife conflicts.