Shawnigan Lake Museum
Press Kit
FACT SHEET
Mission
To share the passion for Shawnigan Lake past, present and future.
Vision
To connect community and visitors with the Shawnigan Lake experience.
How We Started
The Shawnigan Lake Historical Society was incorporated in 1977 to capture the significant history of the Shawnigan area. The focus of the society was to establish a museum that would highlight big and small stories from the area. The museum found a great home in the original firehall, in 1984, when a new firehall was built. The Society has recently completed a large expansion project that tripled the size of the museum. This was achieved with the help of funders, donors, staff and volunteers – the story is that big!
What We Offer
We dare to be different - our museum docents provide every visitor with a personal and informed tour by treating them like guests and engaging with them one on one. We take great pride in our personal interaction with visitors, as we enthusiastically share historical anecdotes and information about the area, the people and the surprisingly large story of Shawnigan Lake.
Most often, we learn new stories from our visitors as well. We offer school programming, as well as public events and workshops for all ages.
Media Inquiries
Leadership
Lori Treloar
Executive Director
Board Member since 2005
Michael Battler
Board Chair
Board Member since 2020
As a lifelong educator, Lori’s varied work experience began on the pool deck as a swim instructor/lifeguard followed by teaching in the elementary school system. Along the way Lori gained many skills that have been an asset to her museum work - from working in a corporate head-office and raising a family of three. Possessing a natural urge to be creative and to give back to the place she lives, Lori bravely took over the management, administration and curation of the Museum in 2005 when it was at death’s door. Even though the learning curve was huge - Lori, with the help of many committed volunteers, brought the museum back to life and expanded its service to the community.
Bill Camden
Treasurer
Board Member since 2020
A part-time visitor for over 25 years and a full-time resident since 2017. Michael feels fortunate to live, work, and play in the beautiful Shawnigan Lake community alongside his wife and extended family. With more than 35 years in the retail industry from entry-level roles to senior management in national chains and franchise organizations. He now draws on that experience as a retail design consultant, working with an international manufacturer, serving product brands and retailers of various sizes. As Chair, Michael is dedicated to advancing the Society’s mission to preserve and celebrate the unique history of Shawnigan Lake.
Karyn French
Board Member since 2025
Bill and his wife Jill have been full time residents at ShawnigaMn Lake since 2016. Before that the family owned property on the lake since 1971. Bill Camden is a businessman and former politician who served as the mayor of View Royal, a municipality in the Greater Victoria area of British Columbia, Canada. He is also known for his work as the Managing Principal at Baker Tilly Victoria, an accounting and advisory firm with three offices in the Greater Victoria Area.
Suelle Stewart
Director
Board Member since 2020
Originally from Halifax NS, I came to Vancouver Island when my husband was transferred to serve at CFB Esquimalt. We moved to Shawnigan Lake in 2004 and it’s our home. I love the area for its beauty and easy access to nature. I have an extensive administrative background, having worked for government agencies both in NS and BC. I own my own business, working with clients creating content for traditional and digital media. I help clients tell stories that connect them to their communities.
Reviews/Press/Feedback
History in the heart of Shawnigan Village
Review of Shawnigan Lake Museum
Love this little museum...
This museum has a wonderful collection of Shawnigan history including Kinsol Trestle (there's a scale model on site) and EJ Hughes. We really enjoyed the mini history lesson we received from Lori & Grant who are both a wealth of knowledge about all things Shawnigan. Thank you for offering this museum to locals and visitors alike.
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Great little museum boasting Shawnigan Lake and island railroad history
Review of Shawnigan Lake Museum
A must stop museum with very engaging and knowledgable staff. I learned a lot about the local railroad, logging and early tourism industry in the area. If you're a history buff, this is the place to go in the area.
Lots of artefacts on display. Discover the odd piece, like the "Rain Train Travelling Sprinkler Tractor" or a first generation Evinrude outboard.
Thank you so much!
It was an excellent field trip!
I look forward to bringing future classes there!
Grade 6/7 teacher, Discovery School
The program was very worthwhile and child-centred
It was a great experience for the kids and we would highly recommend you to fellow teachers! Thank you so much for a well thought out and smoothly run program perfectly geared to our little ones!
Grade 1 teacher, Mt. Prevost School
Brand Guidelines
Colours:
Russet: 984425
Orange: 984425
Sand: FFF0BC
Blue: 1FB6EA
Font:
Open Sans
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Logo
Jim Ward
Director
Board Member since 2023
Jim is a retired geologist with a lifelong passion for genealogy and history. Combining that interest with his mapping background has allowed him to create maps which show settler owners of land in the Cowichan Valley. He is compiling an electronic database and a Geographic Information System (GIS) of all property owners spanning 1858 through the early 1950’s in the Cowichan Valley. An interactive website will soon be available.
Sara Bjornson
Director
Board Member since 2025
Sara Bjornson is a marketing strategist, entrepreneur, and passionate community advocate. As the founder of Time in the Valley Consulting Inc., she specializes in helping community-focused organizations amplify their impact through digital marketing, storytelling, and strategic outreach. Sara brings a forward-thinking mindset to every project, blending data-driven insight with heart-led communication. She’s especially passionate about supporting veterans, preserving local heritage, and championing initiatives that make a tangible difference in people’s lives.
Reviews/Press/Feedback
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The museum recently completed a major ~$3M expansion, now featuring a scalable Kinsol Trestle exhibit, recreated studio of E.J. Hughes, and a multi-functional community event space.
Click here to read whole article
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Lauded as the “cultural heart” of Shawnigan Lake Village—showcasing local stories, art, and heritage while offering social programming.
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Enhances community wellness with seniors programs (coffee and games), social events, art shows—po here sitioning the museum beyond exhibits alone
Click here to read whole article
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Emphasizes local identity: celebrating artists, athletes, and historic events tied to Shawnigan Lake
Fast Facts
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1775 Shawnigan-Mill Bay Rd Shawnigan Lake, BC. V8H 3B7
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Hours: Tues-Sat, 9:30-3:30
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Annual Visitors: ~3500
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Did You Know? the former Fire Hall is considered a heritage building
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