In 1983, Chemainus won the prestigious New York Downtown Revitalization Award for its redevelopment of the town core. It has since gained world-wide acclaim for the integrity and superb artistry of its huge depictions of the town's history with 41 outdoor murals plus carvings and statues.

Chemainus was and really is known as "The Little Town That Did".

Chemainus became an example to the world as to how grow tourism via the art of murals. From just five murals and lots of spirit in the summer of 1981, Chemainus has struggled, grown and succeeded in literally putting itself on the map.