The Ladysmith Maritime Society is a 280-member non-profit charitable organization that has been in continuous operation since 1985.
About Us
The purpose of the Society as stated in its constitution is to serve the community by:
- Protect and promote Ladysmith’s maritime heritage including
- Development and operation of a maritime museum
- Foster expertise in the construction, maintenance, and restoration of heritage boats
- Promote tourism activity in the harbour
- Protect and promote public access to the waterfront
- Operate a marina for the benefit of Ladysmith area residents including
- Provide moorage and services for local and visiting boaters
- Provide services for heritage and other vessels, including heritage vessels owned by the Society
- Operate as a non-profit society under the BC Society Act
- Operate as a registered charity recognized by the Government of Canada
- Hold and operate properties and facilities of the Society
In addition to moorage, the Society offers the following amenities and services:
- Harbour tours during the summer season
- An annual Maritime Festival that attracts more than 3000 visitors
- An award winning floating Maritime History Museum that includes west coast heritage vessels
- A gathering place for local and visitor marine events
- Moorage and site support for Cowichan Independent Living, a sailing program for those with disabilities
- A Paddling Centre for all to use in safely launching their kayaks, canoes or paddleboards for touring the local harbour
- A water safety program for children called “Kids Don’t Float,” that provides the free loan of a PFD (personal flotation device aka lifejacket) to children on our marina’s docks
- A children’s dock with a marine-life viewing portal
- Site support for the BC Purple Martin Stewardship and Recovery Program to provide nesting habitat and monitor the blue-listed Purple Martin
LMS has developed its facilities in accordance with the community’s vision for the waterfront and with a focus on increased economic benefit for the community from marine tourism. The Ladysmith Maritime Society has a proven track record since July 1985 of operating a highly successful non-profit charitable society.
The Directors, numerous LMS members, volunteers and full-time staff persons are actively involved in the day-to-day activities of making the Ladysmith Community Marina a success.