The district municipality of North Cowichan is situated on the south eastern coast of Vancouver Island. Four small communities help make up the Cowichan Valley Regional District: Chemainus, Maple Bay, Stratfords crossing and Crofton. There are around 27,557 inhabitants in the area of North Cowichan.
Chemainus - Chemainus is the famous town known for its 39 outdoor murals. Established during 1858 as a logging town, the outdoor gallery has given rise to a tourist trade and allowed 300 companies to prosper, comprising a theatre, eateries and antique dealers. After the logging mill closes its doors during the early 1980s, the murals and the succeeding tourist industry stemming from them saved the town.
The name "Chemainus" comes from the shaman and native prophet "Tsa-meeun-is" which translates to Broken Chest...