Police remain tight-lipped after 2 deaths at Vancouver Island worksite

Police investigate an incident on Hope Place, near Chemainus, B.C., on Friday, Nov. 21, 2025. (CTV News)

Days after two people died at the offices of a forestry company on Vancouver Island, few details have been revealed about the incident.

The North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP commented on the incident for the first time Monday, confirming officers responded to a report that two men were found dead in an “in an industrial area” of Chemainus just after 6 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 21.

“Officers responded quickly and secured the scene,” the detachment wrote in a statement. “Both males have been confirmed deceased.”

Police did not say how the men died or whether their deaths are considered suspicious.

“This is an isolated event and there is no immediate danger to the public. The investigation is ongoing and still in its initial stages,” Mounties wrote.

The B.C. Coroners Service confirmed it is investigating the deaths but declined to comment further.

Mosaic Forest Management suspended forestry operations in the region after it said it learned of an incident involving one of its independent contractors.

In the wake of the incident, hundreds of people on social media shared a graphic of a black candle with a ribbon around it as tribute, including Lake Cowichan Mayor Tim McGonigle, who wrote, “sad day yesterday. The forest industry is a small community.”

The local RCMP asked anyone with information to call 250-748-5522.

• RELATED STORY: 2 dead after incident at Vancouver Island forestry contractor

With files from CTV News Vancouver’s Todd Coyne