Cowichan District Hospital to Become First in BC with Salmon-Safe Certification

The Cowichan District Hospital Replacement Project (CDHRP) redesigns former Cowichan District Hospital to feature numerous sustainable initiatives and watershed protection, becoming the first hospital in BC with this distinction.

Gathering Space garden featuring a rain garden and native plants, as well as an accessible wellness path surrounding the hospital. Rendering: Parkin Architects Western Ltd. and ZGF Architects Inc.

Congratulations to the Cowichan District Hospital Replacement Project (CDHRP), led by Island Health, EllisDon, Parkin Architects, BC Infrastructure Benefits, and Infrastructure BC, for achieving Salmon-Safe certification! This certification recognizes excellent efforts to reduce water use, treat stormwater and enhance and protect important wetland ecosystems.

A five-year Salmon-Safe certification was awarded in May 2025, marking a milestone as the first hospital in BC to achieve this recognition.

Located on the traditional territory of the Cowichan Tribes, the CDHRP is situated at 6775 Bell McKinnon Road in North Cowichan. It is also located within the S’amunu watershed, which supports populations of coho and chum salmon.

The project will replace the current Cowichan District Hospital and will be more than three times larger. It will increase the number of beds by over 35%, and enhance emergency, surgical, and critical care, mental health and substance use, labour and delivery, medical imaging, and child and youth care capacity, with increased parking facilities.

The Salmon-Safe team commends the CDHRP for several key initiatives that reflect its strong commitment to sustainability and watershed protection, including:

• Extensive Green Stormwater Infrastructure (GSI) implemented on-site to maximize infiltration, including bioretention swales, rain gardens, a green roof and enhanced wetlands

• Landscaped and garden areas designed to aid in water infiltration

• On-site treatment of all stormwater

• Use of native and drought-tolerant trees, shrubs and other plants

• A high-efficiency irrigation system equipped with a rain sensor

In total, 42% of the site will be landscaped, featuring a therapeutic garden, Indigenous plants, accessible wellness paths with a forest meditation loop, wetland enhancements, rain gardens, and conserved natural forest stands.

In addition to obtaining Salmon-Safe certification, the site has achieved Zero Carbon Building Design certification and is targeting LEED Gold v4. It will be the first fully electric hospital in British Columbia and will have solar panels installed on the roof to provide some renewable energy. Compared to the previous hospital, it is projected to be 30% more energy efficient, 60% more water efficient, and will achieve a 75% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.

By prioritizing sustainable design and ecological health, the Cowichan District Hospital Replacement Project is contributing to both a healthier community and a thriving ecosystem. We applaud the CDHRP team for achieving Salmon-Safe certification and for their support of a healthier watershed for all.

Aerial view of the Cowichan District Replacement Hospital. Rendering: Parkin Architects Western Ltd. and ZGF Architects Inc.