Ladysmith is a growing community (population 8,077 in 2013) located just 88 km (55 miles) north of Victoria and 23 km (14 km) south of Nanaimo. Your comments, questions and thoughts are welcome -- and encouraged. Please keep all comments respectful and on topic. Comments deemed inappropriate or promotional in nature will be removed. A 2003 National Communities In Bloom award winner, Ladysmith offers world-class outdoor recreational opportunities; a renowned trail system through picturesque forests; first-class shopping and dining in the historic downtown area; and fun-filled waterfront activities at pristine Transfer Beach. Ladysmith is known for its abundance of community spirit - share in the excitement at any one of our legendary annual celebrations, such as the Festival of Lights beginning on the last Thursday of November or Ladysmith Days in August. Ladysmith is renowned for its wide-spread commitment to sustainability and green development. Several recent environmental initiatives have resulted in provincial and national awards for the Town. The Community Sustainability Vision (adopted in 2009) and the new Sustainability Action Plan put the community on a well-defined path towards its very ambitious and admirable vision for the future. The Town of Ladysmith is governed by an elected Council made up of a Mayor and six Council members. Municipal elections are held every four years. The next scheduled election is in the fall of 2022. Current Council:
Mayor Aaron Stone
Councillor Amanda Jacobson
Councillor Ray Gourlay
Councillor Tricia McKay
Councillor Duck Paterson
Councillor Marsh Stevens
Councillor Jeff Virtanen
Census Population (2016) 8,527
BC Stats Population Estimate (2013) 8,077
Population Per Household 2.3
5-year Growth Rate 5.1%
Median Age 48.3
Median Family Income $71,775
Total Private Dwellings 3,564
Average Sale Price - single family home $319,271
Business Licenses 526
Building Permit Construction Value $7.4 million
Source: Statistics Canada 2011 Census and 2011 National Household Survey, BC Stats (2013),
Town of Ladysmith data (2013).
