Drew McLachlan

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The Cowichan Lake Community Garden is one of nine stops on Cowichan Green Community’s Edible Garden and Farm Tour, which is scheduled for August 15, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Edible Garden and Farm Tour making a stop in Lake Cowichan

The annual tour takes place across the Cowichan Valley.

The Cowichan Lake Community Garden is one of nine stops on Cowichan Green Community’s Edible Garden and Farm Tour, which is scheduled for August 15, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Librarian Kristen Rumohr said that the local branch’s Summer Reading Program has been steadily growing, with 149 kids registered for the program this year.

Local library’s summer programs growing in success

Summer Reading Club designed to encourage kids to keep reading over the summer break and retain skills.

Librarian Kristen Rumohr said that the local branch’s Summer Reading Program has been steadily growing, with 149 kids registered for the program this year.
Alex Cape (left) swam 94 km and for over 44 hours, just 2.5 km short of the world record, while Susan Simmons had to bow out at 44 km due to health reasons.

Swimmers stop short of record but still not discouraged

Susan Simmons says she’ll be returning to Cowichan Lake next summer for training.

Alex Cape (left) swam 94 km and for over 44 hours, just 2.5 km short of the world record, while Susan Simmons had to bow out at 44 km due to health reasons.

Town pursues grant to update and maintain water infrastructure

Project would help keep town's systems "up to snuff," says town CAO Joe Fernandez.

BC Liquor Store manager Rick DeRosa said that it's typical to see a steady stream of campers and other tourists in the store during the summer months, which likely inflates the numbers in Lake Cowichan.

Lake Cowichan adults drinking 320 litres of alcohol per year, topping Island rates

Dr. Paul Hasselback outlines some of the impacts overdrinking can have on a community.

BC Liquor Store manager Rick DeRosa said that it's typical to see a steady stream of campers and other tourists in the store during the summer months, which likely inflates the numbers in Lake Cowichan.
Road closure on Pacific Marine Road.

Lizard Lake fire prompts road closure

Pacific Marine Road, which connects Mesachie Lake to Port Renfrew, is currently closed due to a wildfire near Lizard Lake.

Road closure on Pacific Marine Road.
Patricia and Peter Riley have been selling at Trunk Treasures for the past three years. “We are retired and enjoy selling our items here on Sundays,” Patricia said. “We have the rest of the week to enjoy time off.”

Our Community in Brief – August 12, 2015

The Cowichan Lake and River Stewardship Society is looking for volunteers to help with the annual Cowichan River Cleanup this Saturday.

Patricia and Peter Riley have been selling at Trunk Treasures for the past three years. “We are retired and enjoy selling our items here on Sundays,” Patricia said. “We have the rest of the week to enjoy time off.”

Sunfest organizers hope to move festival to Cowichan Lake

Sunfest 2016 could be the largest event to take place in the area, with over 50,000 attendees.

Joy Becvar (left) said that her mother, Lillian Ambruse, was unfairly charged with a sewer fee after going over her allotted water use, despite the water being used for gardening.

Resident feels that town’s ‘sewer charge’ policy is unfair to gardeners

88 per cent of water overconsumption charge is added on to cover extra sewer use.

Joy Becvar (left) said that her mother, Lillian Ambruse, was unfairly charged with a sewer fee after going over her allotted water use, despite the water being used for gardening.
The Youbou Regatta includes a number of races, including the canoe race (pictured), kayak race and quarter-mile swim.

Youbou Regatta returns with more events this year

Along with popular, yearly events like the quarter-mile race, this year's regatta will also feature an adults-only dance.

The Youbou Regatta includes a number of races, including the canoe race (pictured), kayak race and quarter-mile swim.
The signs at the Forest Workers’ Memorial Park have recently undergone a restoration thanks to the Cowichan Lake Community Forest Cooperative.

Our Community in Brief – August 5, 2015

Lake Cowichan Sparks unit looking for parent leader.

The signs at the Forest Workers’ Memorial Park have recently undergone a restoration thanks to the Cowichan Lake Community Forest Cooperative.
Diver Clark Atchison sorts through some of the items he brought up near Saywell Park at last year’s Cowichan River Cleanup, including a pair of ladies prescription sunglasses belonging to one of his neighbours.

Volunteers wanted for Cowichan River Cleanup next weekend

Cowichan Lake and River Stewardship Society seeing less garbage each year, though help is still needed.

Diver Clark Atchison sorts through some of the items he brought up near Saywell Park at last year’s Cowichan River Cleanup, including a pair of ladies prescription sunglasses belonging to one of his neighbours.
James Van Hemert moderating the Age-friendly Community Meeting at the Lake Cowichan 50+ Activity Centre on May 24. Van Hemert said that the public input received at the meeting had a huge impact on the framework of the upcoming action plan.

Age-friendly action plan taking shape after public consultation

Public meeting to be held at the 50+ Activity Centre on September 19.

James Van Hemert moderating the Age-friendly Community Meeting at the Lake Cowichan 50+ Activity Centre on May 24. Van Hemert said that the public input received at the meeting had a huge impact on the framework of the upcoming action plan.
USW issued a 72-hour strike notice to the Cowichan Valley Regional District on May 8. So far, no strike action has taken place.

USW votes in favour of new deal, pending approval by CVRD in August

New deal addresses casual employees, ticket stipends and wage increases.

USW issued a 72-hour strike notice to the Cowichan Valley Regional District on May 8. So far, no strike action has taken place.
From left: Bill McGillis, Shelley Davies Coburn, Cindy Charles, Marg McGillis and Gwen Evans (not pictured) make up the newly formed Old Lake Cowichan Committee, who are hoping to host a number of events in the future that will harken back to “the good old days.”

New committee looks to past for inspiration

Appreciation Barbecue being organized to say thanks to local volunteer firefighters, RCMP and emergency responders.

From left: Bill McGillis, Shelley Davies Coburn, Cindy Charles, Marg McGillis and Gwen Evans (not pictured) make up the newly formed Old Lake Cowichan Committee, who are hoping to host a number of events in the future that will harken back to “the good old days.”
Wes Kelly and his son Jake were two of the many locals who made the trip out to Port Refnrew for the Lake Cowichan Kinsmen’s first fishing derby, which was held to raise money for the installation of a new playground structure at the Duck Pond.

Kinsmen fishing derby reels in $3,800 for Duck Pond playground

Ladies’ Casino Night fundraiser returning in autumn.

Wes Kelly and his son Jake were two of the many locals who made the trip out to Port Refnrew for the Lake Cowichan Kinsmen’s first fishing derby, which was held to raise money for the installation of a new playground structure at the Duck Pond.
Vancouver Island North MP John Duncan was in Lake Cowichan to announce, along with councillor Tim McGonigle, that the town’s Canada 150 grant application had been accepted.

$500K grant to help fund Centennial Park project

Centennial Park project was chosen due to cultural significance, time constraints.

Vancouver Island North MP John Duncan was in Lake Cowichan to announce, along with councillor Tim McGonigle, that the town’s Canada 150 grant application had been accepted.

Food bank struggling with summer as donations decline

$2 donations can be made at the local Country Grocer through the BC Share program.

A blaze broke out late Tuesday afternoon on Skutz Falls Road, 10 km east of Cowichan Lake.

Crews called to 10 hectare fire near Skutz Falls

Local firefighters relieved last night after quick response to forest fire.

A blaze broke out late Tuesday afternoon on Skutz Falls Road, 10 km east of Cowichan Lake.
Cow Cafe owner David Sharrow (left) recently celebrated the opening of his food truck Takanacho, which is operating on weekends in order to cater to the tubing crowd.

Our Community in Brief – July 29, 2015

Summer drop-in hockey starts this week at the Cowichan Lake Sports Arena.

Cow Cafe owner David Sharrow (left) recently celebrated the opening of his food truck Takanacho, which is operating on weekends in order to cater to the tubing crowd.