Cowichan Bay becomes North America's 1st Cittaslow

Last Wednesday, Italian delegates arrived on Vancouver Island to unveil a road sign announcing Cowichan Bay as the very first Cittaslow town in North America to join their community.

International director Pier Georgio Oliveti and Gianluca Marconi were on hand to remove the veil after a few speeches by other dignitaries - including one that stressed the importance of slowing down and connecting with nature - and a spectacular dance and blessing from two members of the Cowichan First Nations band.

The seaside town of Cowichan Bay on Vancouver island is dedicated to the local landscape and was deemed a perfect fit to join the other 120 towns in 16 countries with this designation.
Located only 45 minutes from Victoria, and with less than 3,000 residents, Cowichan Bay boasts acres of greenspace giving way to small and medium-scale farms and wineries, all within First Nations land. Many renowned chefs, growers, winemakers and artisans make the area their home and the community is dedicated to the local producers and produce.

Also on hand (photo below) were Mara Jernigan, innkeeper at Fairburn Farm and president of SlowFood Canada (third from left), and Bruce Stewart, co-owner of True Grain Bakery in Cowichan Bay (on far right). Together with other Cowichan Bay business owners, they successfully entered "Cow Bay" for consideration. It was assessed and certified under six potential areas of excellence, including environmental policy, encouragement of local food and artisanal products and businesses, and hospitality and friendliness. The village scored a whopping 93 percent, one of the highest rankings of all towns to apply for the honour.

Yeah, baby! 

After many photo-ops the gentlemen were whisked away in an ancient Model T driven by Cowichan Bay Farm's champ Lyle Young. Where were they going? Why, for a powerhouse espresso at Drumroasters and then a tour of Cowichan Bay.
Ciao!!