A New Chapter on Slocan Lake

Welcome to a once-in-a-generation opportunity to shape the future of an 19.5 acre waterfront site in the heart of Slocan. Reclaimed by the Village, the former mill site is now poised for transformation into a thriving community space, rooted in natural beauty, local culture and visionary design.

The Opportunity:

This is more than a redevelopment – it’s a chance to co-create a legacy. Imagine a vibrant public commons that celebrates:

  • Ecological restoration
  • Public Access to the lake
  • Recreational and cultural gathering spaces
  • Economic opportunities grounded in community values
  • Housing and Accommodations – by design!

Location:

South shore of Slocan Lake, British Columbia

Size: 19.5 Acres 

Surroundings: 

  • Right in the heart of the Village of Slocan
  • Gateway to Valhalla Provincial Park
  • Stunning views of Slocan Lake and Valhallas

What is the Waterfront Commons?

The Waterfront Commons is the first step in reimagining the future of the mill site. It’s a space — both physical and conversational — where the community can come together to get inspired, share ideas, and give feedback. This phase of the project is about dreaming big, learning from others, and setting the stage for a shared vision of what this unique site could become.

Resources

In TheNews

1902

Ontario-Slocan Lumber Company's shingle mill is established

1964

Pacific Logging Co. established on the waterfront

1971

Triangle Pacific Sawmill built at the same location

2004 - 2005

Canfor Corporation acquires Slocan Forest Products

2013

Mill operations end

2014

Demolition of the mill takes place

2020

Village of Slocan purchased the former mill site

Now

Visioning process for the future of the mill site

Looking Ahead: The Master Planning Process

With the community engagement for the Waterfront Commons underway, the next major step will be developing a comprehensive master plan for the former mill site. This process will shape the long-term vision for how the property  can serve the community — balancing community needs,  economic development, environmental restoration, public gathering space and waterfront access.

The master plan will be a collaborative process involving detailed design, technical studies, and community input. Residents, business owners, and local partners will be invited to help guide decisions about land use, layout, infrastructure, and amenities. This is where your ideas and values will directly influence how the site grows and evolves.

While we’re not there yet, this current phase of engagement is laying the groundwork — by helping us understand what matters most to the Citizens of Slocan and the broader Valley. Your voice today will help shape the planning to come.

Stay tuned for updates and opportunities to participate as the master planning process begins.

Background Information

Learn more about the Waterfront Commons and previous public input through the Official Community Plan and the What We Heard Report. 

“The former mill site lands in Slocan have enormous potential to serve the Village with new development opportunities. However, it is important that the former mill site area is developed in a way that blends within the existing Village of Slocan and does not stand out as starkly different and contrasting. Any future development should be complementary to the Village’s spacious natural character as well as preserving the public’s access to the waterfront. At the same time, the Village recognizes the importance of working with an investor/land developer to generate servicing, development standards, and development model flexibility that generates a business model with a market-rate return on investment.”

Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 700

“The mill site is on everyone’s mind and will be an important piece of the future of Slocan. Residents had varying ideas for what should happen with the Mill Site. Most felt that the foreshore and waterfront should remain public. Beyond that, ideas ranged from housing, business development, affordable housing, education, and park opportunities.”

Official Community Plan What We Heard Report