B.C.’s 3rd oldest municipality finally gets its own mailing address

A Historic Change for North Cowichan: Restoring Municipal Identity

North Cowichan, one of British Columbia’s oldest municipalities, is on the brink of a significant change that will impact its residents for generations to come. Founded in 1873, North Cowichan boasts a rich history that predates many other communities in the province. However, despite its long-standing presence, the municipality has faced a unique challenge when it comes to something as seemingly straightforward as mailing addresses. For decades, residents of North Cowichan have been using the name of a neighboring city, Duncan, as their mailing address, even though Duncan is significantly smaller in size—just 1/100th of North Cowichan’s land area. This anomaly has been a source of frustration for many, as it has overshadowed the community’s distinct identity.

The Separation of Duncan and Its Impact

The roots of this issue date back to 1912, when the City of Duncan, which serves as the urban core of the region, broke away from North Cowichan and incorporated as its own municipality. Despite Duncan’s smaller size, Canada Post has historically recognized it as the primary mailing address for the entire area. This has meant that even though residents live in North Cowichan, pay taxes there, and identify with the community, their mail has been addressed to Duncan. North Cowichan Mayor Rob Douglas has described this as a “big deal,” highlighting the importance of restoring the municipality’s rightful identity.

Advocating for Change

The push for change has been a long time coming. For years, North Cowichan has advocated for Canada Post to recognize its name in mailing addresses. This effort has been driven by the community’s desire to reclaim its identity and ensure that its history and contributions are acknowledged. Mayor Douglas emphasized that many residents have found the situation frustrating, as they feel a strong sense of belonging to North Cowichan but have been unable to reflect that in something as simple as their mailing address.

A New Era Begins

The wait for change is finally coming to an end. On March 17, Canada Post will begin recognizing North Cowichan as the official municipality in the mailing addresses of its residents. This shift is a culmination of years of advocacy and represents a significant step forward for the community. While Duncan will still be recognized as a secondary address to ensure a smooth transition and prevent any mail from being lost, the primary address will now reflect the true home of North Cowichan residents.

Ensuring a Smooth Transition

Canada Post is taking steps to notify residents of the change and ensure that the transition is seamless. The decision to continue recognizing Duncan as a secondary address is a practical one, aimed at avoiding any disruptions to mail delivery. This approach acknowledges the historical use of Duncan while paving the way for North Cowichan to take its rightful place as the primary municipality in the eyes of residents and the postal service alike.

Celebrating Community Identity

The restoration of North Cowichan’s name in mailing addresses is more than just an administrative change—it’s a celebration of the community’s identity and heritage. As one of the oldest municipalities in British Columbia, North Cowichan’s history is worth recognizing and preserving. This change not only corrects a long-standing anomaly but also gives residents a sense of pride and connection to the place they call home. It’s a reminder that even in modern times, community identity and history matter deeply.