Warren Goulding

Proceeds from the Cowichan Valley Autos sixth annual music trivia tournament and two extra nights of 50-50 contributions during the regular Friday night music trivia events hosted by Jeff Harrison and Stephen Parson at the Horseshoe Bay Inn in Chemainus amounted to $2,556 for the Harvest House Food Bank. On hand for the official presentation from left: Leah Pickering, Cowichan Valley Autos owner Brian Pickering, Jan Aikman, food bank manager, Holly Burnett, Jeff Harrison, Stephen Parson and Greg Powers. (Photo submitted)

Business notes: Duncan’s Business Showcase becomes Business Expo

Exhibitor registrations now open for Business Expo & Community Social presented by Island Savings.

Proceeds from the Cowichan Valley Autos sixth annual music trivia tournament and two extra nights of 50-50 contributions during the regular Friday night music trivia events hosted by Jeff Harrison and Stephen Parson at the Horseshoe Bay Inn in Chemainus amounted to $2,556 for the Harvest House Food Bank. On hand for the official presentation from left: Leah Pickering, Cowichan Valley Autos owner Brian Pickering, Jan Aikman, food bank manager, Holly Burnett, Jeff Harrison, Stephen Parson and Greg Powers. (Photo submitted)
Your property assessment going up doesn’t necessarily indicate your taxes are going up. (Citizen file)

Cowichan assessment terrors largely unjustified

Until the budget process is complete, property owners shouldn't worry too much

Your property assessment going up doesn’t necessarily indicate your taxes are going up. (Citizen file)
The gang from Hair at 60 Queens has been voted a fan favourite. (submitted)

Business notes: Hair at 60 Queens wins Fan Choice Award

What's new in the Cowichan business community

The gang from Hair at 60 Queens has been voted a fan favourite. (submitted)
Staff at Thrifty Foods in Duncan chipped in to buy a new television for the newly opened Cowichan winter response centre. (Photo supplied)

Business notes: Juice FM masterminds behind Stuff the Truck

As the old radio commentator Paul Harvey used to say, "here's the rest of the story."

Staff at Thrifty Foods in Duncan chipped in to buy a new television for the newly opened Cowichan winter response centre. (Photo supplied)
The Cowichan District Hospital Foundation presents the Cowichan Hospice Society with a huge cheque for $1 million, a portion of their donation to the new Hospice House. (Warren Goulding/Citizen)

Cowichan District Hospital Foundation donates $2 million for Hospice House

"What they have contributed to this Hospice House is absolutely amazing."

The Cowichan District Hospital Foundation presents the Cowichan Hospice Society with a huge cheque for $1 million, a portion of their donation to the new Hospice House. (Warren Goulding/Citizen)
Trees block a road in Youbou during the windstorm Thursday. (Swordfern Boutique/Facebook)

Power outages still plaguing Cowichan

Damage to more than 750 spans of wire, 270 poles, 400 cross-arms and 150 transformers.

Trees block a road in Youbou during the windstorm Thursday. (Swordfern Boutique/Facebook)
Balbir Parhar and his daughter, Robin, presented a cheque for $2,000 for Save-On-Foods’ Stuff the Truck fundraiser for local food banks. (submitted)

Business notes: Cowichan businesses step up for charities

One such business is Parhar Group, owned by Balbir Parhar and his family.

Balbir Parhar and his daughter, Robin, presented a cheque for $2,000 for Save-On-Foods’ Stuff the Truck fundraiser for local food banks. (submitted)
Judy Bobke with one of the heroes who came to the Legion’s rescue, tracker operator Glen Purdy. (submitted)

Business notes: Spade Excavating rides to the rescue of Malahat Legion

Kudos to a Shawnigan Lake business for coming to the rescue when a major flood threatened the Royal Canadian Legion Malahat #134 Branch.

Judy Bobke with one of the heroes who came to the Legion’s rescue, tracker operator Glen Purdy. (submitted)
Colin John’s murder trial is on hold, likely until spring of next year. (file photo)

John murder trial at Duncan courthouse on pause until spring

John is charged with the May 2016 murder of 20-year-old Derek Descoteau

Colin John’s murder trial is on hold, likely until spring of next year. (file photo)
A massive, 200-year-old Maple tree will gradually be turned into numerous works of art. (Warren Goulding/Citizen)

Become part of a 200-year history with Live Edge’s oneTree project for artists, artisans

A massive, 200-year-old Maple tree will gradually be turned into numerous works of art

A massive, 200-year-old Maple tree will gradually be turned into numerous works of art. (Warren Goulding/Citizen)
Check out ‘Arbutus’ magazine this month for a look at busy downtown Duncan. (Warren Goulding/Citizen)

Business notes: Get a custom Christmas gift basket built for that special someone

If the thought of enduring the lineups at the big box stores or online shopping (thankfully) isn't your thing, here's an idea for shopping locally this year.

Check out ‘Arbutus’ magazine this month for a look at busy downtown Duncan. (Warren Goulding/Citizen)
House at 9833 Willow Street will be moved to make way for a multi-family building with seven one-bedroom units. (Photo by Warren Goulding)

Lefebure’s housing project draws mixed reviews at open house

Former North Cowichan mayor provides details on plans for Chemainus lot

House at 9833 Willow Street will be moved to make way for a multi-family building with seven one-bedroom units. (Photo by Warren Goulding)
Staff and volunteers enjoy a piece of anniversary cake as the Cowichan Regional Visitor Centre celebrates its fifth year of operation. The Centre held an open house on Friday, Nov. 23 to mark the occasion. For more, see page 11. (Warren Goulding/Citizen)

Business notes: 5-year anniversary for Visitor Centre silences naysayers

"This ceremony marks the success of almost a decade of work by the community"

Staff and volunteers enjoy a piece of anniversary cake as the Cowichan Regional Visitor Centre celebrates its fifth year of operation. The Centre held an open house on Friday, Nov. 23 to mark the occasion. For more, see page 11. (Warren Goulding/Citizen)
Deadline looms for nominations for Business Excellence Awards

Deadline looms for nominations for Business Excellence Awards

"It's been another good year for business on Vancouver Island"

Deadline looms for nominations for Business Excellence Awards
Sarah Stipkala, a business banking advisor with Island Savings and Brooklyn Mann, branch manager in Lake Cowichan played key roles in making The Full Cupboard event at Vancouver Island Motorsport Circuit a success. (Warren Goulding/Citizen)

Island Savings Full Cupboard nets $13,000 for food banks

More than $13,000 was raised with the help of local businesses

Sarah Stipkala, a business banking advisor with Island Savings and Brooklyn Mann, branch manager in Lake Cowichan played key roles in making The Full Cupboard event at Vancouver Island Motorsport Circuit a success. (Warren Goulding/Citizen)
Duncan Cowichan Chamber of Commerce directors and liaisons from community organizations gathered at the end of the AGM held at Arbutus Ridge Golf Club.

Chamber board welcomes five newcomers

Six directors were acclaimed at the Duncan Cowichan Chamber of Commerce's annual general meeting

Duncan Cowichan Chamber of Commerce directors and liaisons from community organizations gathered at the end of the AGM held at Arbutus Ridge Golf Club.
Executive director Sonja Nagel, left, embraces outgoing president Julie Scurr at the Duncan Cowichan Chamber’s AGM. For more from the event, see page 19. (Warren Goulding/Citizen)

Chamber trending upward as membership list grows

"The relevancy of the Chamber has never been greater than in these times of change"

Executive director Sonja Nagel, left, embraces outgoing president Julie Scurr at the Duncan Cowichan Chamber’s AGM. For more from the event, see page 19. (Warren Goulding/Citizen)
Colin John’s murder trial has been halted pending a psychiatric assessment of John. (file photo)

Murder trial of Chemainus man halted pending psych report

Justice Warren said it was essential to ascertain John's level of fitness to stand trial.

Colin John’s murder trial has been halted pending a psychiatric assessment of John. (file photo)
Guests were on hand as Riot celebrated its second anniversary. (Warren Goulding/Citizen)

Chemainus’s Riot Brewing lands another honour

Riot took top honours in the Best Dark Mild Beer category.

Guests were on hand as Riot celebrated its second anniversary. (Warren Goulding/Citizen)
Derek Descoteau was killed in Chemainus in 2016. (submitted)

Sight of murder weapon disturbing for family in trial of Chemainus man

Family members wept and a sheriff provided tissues

Derek Descoteau was killed in Chemainus in 2016. (submitted)