North Cowichan completes property sale to Cowichan Green Community

Type(s)
News Release

North Cowichan has finalized a land transfer of the Beverly Street Food Hub property to the Cowichan Green Community in support of the society’s operations including the development of a food hub. Council approved the agreement at its regular meeting on January 21, 2026.

“With this agreement, the Cowichan Green Community can complete construction of the Beverly Street Food Hub, advancing North Cowichan’s goals of supporting local agriculture and increasing food production,” said Mayor Rob Douglas. “As a long-time steward of the site, the Cowichan Green Community is well positioned to deliver much-needed facilities and programs that strengthen food security in North Cowichan and across the broader Cowichan region.”

The Cowichan Green Community (CGC) has leased and operated the site since 2015. During that time, the organization developed farming programs and began construction of the Beverly Street Food Hub. The hub includes a commercial kitchen, storage space, training areas, and community gathering space.

The land transfer allows the CGC to secure financing needed to complete construction and expand operations. 

“CGC has been operating for over 20 years, supporting local food security in the Cowichan Region,” said Kortnee Smith, co-executive director of the Cowichan Green Community. “This shift in land ownership from North Cowichan to CGC is a pivotal turning point for our organization. With the ability to complete the Beverly Street Food Hub, we will be able to expand our impact and strengthen our support for the community through farming, education, and increased access to healthy food.”

The sale includes an option for North Cowichan to reacquite the property for $10 under specific conditions including if the food hub is not completed within a set timeline or use of the property for purposes other than the food hub.

The Cowichan Green Community began in 2001 and focuses on food security, sustainable agriculture, and community well-being across the region.

For more information, visit northcowichan.ca or cowichangreencommunity.org.

Left - right: Christopher Justice (North Cowichan Councillor), Kortnee Smith (Co-executive Director, Cowichan Green Community), Rob Douglas (Mayor of North Cowichan), Adrian Witt (Co-executive Director, Cowichan Green Community)
Dignitaries plant tree at the Beverly Street Food Hub to commemorate the event