Attention Canadian Fiction Writers !

The McLoughlin Gardens welcomes applications from established Canadian writers of fiction for a four-week residency in the summer of 2026. The deadline for applications is September 15, 2025.

Watercolour of the cottage by Sarah McLoughlin

Applying to the writer-in-residence program

The residency is located at the Brian and Sarah McLoughlin Regional Park in Merville, halfway between the Comox Valley and Campbell River, on the east coast of Vancouver Island.

Built in 1976, the three-bedroom cottage was designed by landscape artist and master gardener Sarah McLoughlin. Surrounded by mature gardens, the cottage has magnificent views of the sea and the coastal range of mainland British Columbia. The semi-remote setting provides an ideal site for creative work.

The writer’s time will be divided between pursuing personal writing projects and providing literary advice and support to the local community, with writing time favoured on a 60/40 basis.

An honorarium of $3,000 for the four-week residency will be provided.

Application Information

We are particularly interested in proposals that speak to our vision: to nurture the transformative power of art, nature, and story in creating a more just, sustainable, and equitable world.

Applications should include:

  • A résumé or CV (maximum two pages)

  • Preferred four-week period, Sunday to Sunday from July 12 - September 27, 2026

  • A list of relevant publications

  • A sample of work in progress (10 – 20 pages)

  • A letter of interest outlining:

    • Reasons why the residency would further your work including an indication of what personal writing project you would be working on during this residency. 

    • Experience mentoring emerging writers.

      Please compile your application into one document, save as a PDF and send as an attachment to mcloughlingardens16@gmail.com with Summer Residency 2026 in the subject line.

Applications will be accepted until September 15, 2025. Applicants will be notified by October 31, 2025.

If you would like to apply, please complete the form below so that we know to expect your application in the coming months.