Canada Post recently announced a significant change in the mailing address system across British Columbia, marking a shift in how residents of North Cowichan, the province’s oldest municipality, will receive their mail. North Cowichan, established in 1873, has historically been a major postal hub, and for many residents, it has been the preferred address. However, the current urban core of North Cowichan, Duncan, which was its city proper, was incorporated into its municipality in 1912. As a result, residents of North Cowichan have long faced the challenge of using Duncan for mailing addresses, despite the fact that Duncan is only about 1/100th the size of North Cowichan.
glyphs>North Cowichan Mayor Rob Douglas has been a vocal advocate for transparency in the mailing address system. “We are the third oldest municipality in British Columbia, yet throughout our history, the majority of our residents have used Duncan as their mailing address,” Douglas comments. “It’s a big deal,” he says, highlighting the frustration many residents feel about the transition to a more modern and growing city. “While many”—to_buffer—and this change addresses,” Douglas emphasizes.
Canada Post has taken comprehensive action to recognize North Cowichan as its official municipality. Initially, Duncan was planned to remain a secondary address, but this decision was later changed. The company has been steadily notifying residents of the shift, ensuring consistent and orderly distribution. The process reflects Canada Post’s commitment to advancing its mailing address system and supporting its old residents who long for the familiar address.
“North Cowichan ≠ Duncan,” the mayor notes in a statement. “This change is not an obstacle to residents of Duncan, which is only 1/100th the size of North Cowichan,” wondering why North Cowichan would need a different mail system. “North Cowichan is about as old as Canada Post’s name, but many in the city have been using Duncan. It’s frustrating that they have to change—please understand and cooperate with the process”— Douglas warns.
At the same time, the mayor envisions a future where residents of North Cowichan will no longer have to be changed—“we hope this isn’t the last change,” he admits. “But it reflects the true connection between our cities and our postal service,” and hopes this moment is the beginning of an even more seamless transition.
Overall, the move aligns with Canada Post’s long-standing goal to provide a consistent postal service while recognizing its rich history. The change will benefit both current and future residents of North Cowichan, ensuring that their mail arrives in the familiar address. At the same time, it also supports traditional postal stakeholders, like Duncan, by ensuring continuity with its mail system.
The announcement comes as the postal service aims to capture historical significance and support legacy communities. By symbolizing a step toward unity and continuity, Matt Manek, vice president for heritage and history, notes, “This isn’t just a change for North Cowichan; it’s a change for North Cowichan, to ensure the service has a story that reflects more of the downtown North Cowichan community.”
The transition marks a moment of continuity in Canada Post’s approach to mailing addresses, from the 1930s to the 21st century. “We’re upping the ante,” Manek says, “whether it’s about long distance travel, or timely delivery, or maintaining the history of our communities.”
The day will mark what, surprisingly, may feel like a pivotal moment for Canada Post, long seeking to balance a growing postal service with the reach of its oversized North Cowichan. It is ≠ a moment of continuity and legacy ≠ but also a call to action for ongoing collaboration and thoughtfulness. The polarizing concerns of the change will be longkept, but it will also ensure that North Cowichan will continue to be a core part of Canada Post’s service. Mark Douglas, former CEO of Cтика (part of Canada Post), says, “We want to play a role in today’s story, but it must all make sense inherit the history of North Cowichan and the people who lived there.”
As the post continues to evolve, it remains clear that this change is a testament to Canada Post’seffortlessness in safeguarding its heritage and loyalty to its communities. It’s also a reminder of the challenges and opportunities that come with keeping the postal service in line with the history and unity of those who make it operate.
The shift is a coherent and noble;y important one. It assures longkept residents of a familiar address, while supporting the legacy of Duncan by ensuring its continued relevance. Canada Post’s decision is: Mark Douglas, former CEO of Cтика (part of Canada Post), says, “We hope this isn’t the last change, but it reflects the true connection between our cities and our postal service, and ensuresContinuity.” As the city of North Cowichan prepares to embrace change, it longs for a future that honors its oldness and ensures that its residents will soon receive their mail in familiar addresses.
This change cannot be overlooked. It is the most important moment in Canada Post’s history so far, and for the future of our nation.
Global News ≠ 20:12 • Canada Post updates on mailing address changes
