History of the Lodge 1981 - 2009

The official opening of Cowichan Lodge, located just off Tzouhalem Road in Duncan, B.C., took place June 29th,1981. On hand for the opening was long-time North Cowichan Councillor Margaret Robertson, a staunch advocate for the Lodge. Also on hand were Jim Manly, MP; Mary McParland, Lodge Administrator; Dr. Peter Reynolds, Chief Medical Health Officer; Ray Goldsworthy of Marshall Goldsworthy Architects ( who won a design award for the building) and numerous other community members.

At the time of the official opening, the Lodge had 100 permanent residents and two respite beds within the four wings of the publicly owned facility. Over the past 27 years, it has been estimated almost 1,000 full time residents have called Cowichan Lodge their home. Also, many transitional care and respite care patients passed through the Lodge.

A newspaper report on the Lodge, one year after the opening, noted Cowichan Lodge "resembles a luxurious resort complex or an expensive motel". It also referred to the rooms as "bright and functional".

The cost to build the Lodge was estimated at $3.5 million. Much of this funding was raised from within the community, the rest coming from the Provincial Government. One year after opening there was a waiting list of 50 people and by January,1983, that list had grown to 124.

 The Cowichan Lodge Auxiliary was formed at the beginning of the Lodge's existence and has continued to provide many services to residents, as well as considerable equipment for the facility. Also, the impressive gardens and landscaping are maintained by community volunteers.  These volunteers demonstrate the tremendous support the Lodge has continued to receive over the years from the community.

The caring staff at the Lodge have always strived to maintain a friendly and happy atmosphere where residents and their families feel at home. Birthdays are celebrated, as are all holidays. Many local entertainers have "played" the Lodge over the years and youth groups have visited many times. Music has been a large part of Lodge life. The Lodge has a small library, a beauty salon and a gift/snack shop.

The Vancouver Island Health Authority said it would close Cowichan Lodge in August, 2009. Health Minister George Abbott supported that decision.

Despite the submission of a 10,000+ name petition asking that Cowichan Lodge be kept open VIHA lived up to its promise.   The lodge was closed and the last few residents were forced to move out in August.