Drew McLachlan

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The recent fire on MacDonald Road spread to three properties, causing significant damage. A pickup truck, a trailer and a shed were some of the items engulfed in flames by the time firefighters were able to put out the fire.

Risk of forest fire within town limits avoided

Three residences damaged by recent fire on MacDonald Road.

The recent fire on MacDonald Road spread to three properties, causing significant damage. A pickup truck, a trailer and a shed were some of the items engulfed in flames by the time firefighters were able to put out the fire.
Susan Simmons (left) and Alex Cape accomplished a 70km swim on Cowichan Lake last August, and are returning next month to make a world record-breaking attempt at a 105km swim, which will take them to each arm of the lake.

Cape and Simmons returning to Cowichan Lake for record-breaking swim

105km swim will raise money and awareness for Multiple Sclerosis treatment.

Susan Simmons (left) and Alex Cape accomplished a 70km swim on Cowichan Lake last August, and are returning next month to make a world record-breaking attempt at a 105km swim, which will take them to each arm of the lake.
A grass fire near the Duncan Meadows golf course on Monday (July 20) resulted in the temporary closure of Highway 18, both ways. The area is primarily grass and brush, and the wind proved to be a problem for firefighters. A blown BC Hydro transformer is believed to be the cause of the fire.

Our Community in Brief – July 22, 2015

Grass fire near Duncan Meadows golf course prompts temporary closure of Highway 18.

A grass fire near the Duncan Meadows golf course on Monday (July 20) resulted in the temporary closure of Highway 18, both ways. The area is primarily grass and brush, and the wind proved to be a problem for firefighters. A blown BC Hydro transformer is believed to be the cause of the fire.
Palsson’s Activity Before Learning pilot program was inspired by a View Royal school that saw success in 2013 with a similar program.

Palsson pilot program a hit with kids

Activity Before Learning: School staff hope to start full, daily program in September.

Palsson’s Activity Before Learning pilot program was inspired by a View Royal school that saw success in 2013 with a similar program.
The Youbou Volunteer Fire Department, along with five other volunteer fire departments in the Cowichan Valley, are holding a volunteer drive in September in hopes of making up for a shortage of volunteers.

Local fire departments holding volunteer drive amidst shortage

Mesachie Lake fire chief Gary Eve explains the benefits of volunteering.

The Youbou Volunteer Fire Department, along with five other volunteer fire departments in the Cowichan Valley, are holding a volunteer drive in September in hopes of making up for a shortage of volunteers.

Community garden workshop to focus on water conservation amid drought

Cowichan Lake Community Garden hosting three workshops this summer.

82-year-old Al Quarnby is the recepient of this year’s Honeymoon Bay Citizen of Merit Award. Though the award is typically handed out during the community’s Canada Day celebrations, Quarnby received the certificate last night (July 14) at the Honeymoon Bay Community Hall.

Al Quarnby recognized as this year’s Honeymoon Bay Citizen of Merit

Past recipients include Peter Ridley and Lorne Huddleston.

82-year-old Al Quarnby is the recepient of this year’s Honeymoon Bay Citizen of Merit Award. Though the award is typically handed out during the community’s Canada Day celebrations, Quarnby received the certificate last night (July 14) at the Honeymoon Bay Community Hall.
Kaatza Lakeside Players artistic director Dena McPhee will be returning to the community theatre group for their next production. She’s currently reading through Aladdin and Annie to prepare her recommendation for the Players’ next production.

Kaatza Lakeside Players prepare to take back the stage

Kaatza Lakeside Players embracing youth and community aspect of theatre.

Kaatza Lakeside Players artistic director Dena McPhee will be returning to the community theatre group for their next production. She’s currently reading through Aladdin and Annie to prepare her recommendation for the Players’ next production.
CLEC manager Dalton Smith stands in front of the construction site at Central Park.

Central Park upgrades part of CLEC job creation program

Central Park upgrades include better handicap access to park and washrooms.

CLEC manager Dalton Smith stands in front of the construction site at Central Park.
“Sunbrellas” turned into umbrellas this past weekend as Lake Cowichan was treated to rain showers throughout the weekend. Angela Doyle was more than happy to take a walk in the rain, commenting “I’m loving it, we need the rain.”

Our Community in Brief – July 15, 2015

Stage Three water restrictions and open-fire ban currently in effect.

“Sunbrellas” turned into umbrellas this past weekend as Lake Cowichan was treated to rain showers throughout the weekend. Angela Doyle was more than happy to take a walk in the rain, commenting “I’m loving it, we need the rain.”
Residents from all of the Cowichan Lake communities descended upon the Mesachie Lake Skydome last Wednesday (July 1) to celebrate Canada Day.

Our Community in Brief – July 8, 2015

Stage three water restrictions now in effect in Lake Cowichan and other Cowichan Valley communities.

Residents from all of the Cowichan Lake communities descended upon the Mesachie Lake Skydome last Wednesday (July 1) to celebrate Canada Day.
Artist Ron Hamilton discovered that the Ts’uubaa-asatx Square pole had been vandalized while he was having lunch on Canada Day (July 1).

Community totem pole struck by vandals on Canada Day

Ts’uubaa-asatx taking ‘every measure possible’ to prevent further vandalism to pole, potentially including installation of cameras.

Artist Ron Hamilton discovered that the Ts’uubaa-asatx Square pole had been vandalized while he was having lunch on Canada Day (July 1).
Contentious points in the previous contract included benefits for casual employees and ambiguous language, according to USW business agent Dusty Palmer.

New agreement could end looming strike notice from CVRD employees

USW Local 1-1937: Union includes Cowichan Lake Recreation and Meade Creek employees.

Contentious points in the previous contract included benefits for casual employees and ambiguous language, according to USW business agent Dusty Palmer.

Drought conditions prompt Island-wide angling ban

Level four drought rating could also lead to suspension of short-term water licenses.

Ron McKenzie (left) and Mike Bishop celebrated the raising of 97.5 the Lake’s, Lake Cowichan’s community radio station, new broadcast antenna. The new antenna will allow the station’s DJs to extend their broadcast across the Cowichan Valley.

CICV FM celebrates their new broadcast antenna, which will take them across the Valley

Changing frequency: The Lake 98.7 will become Radio Cowichan 97.5.

Ron McKenzie (left) and Mike Bishop celebrated the raising of 97.5 the Lake’s, Lake Cowichan’s community radio station, new broadcast antenna. The new antenna will allow the station’s DJs to extend their broadcast across the Cowichan Valley.

Newly reformed Cowichan Housing Association continues to pursue affordable housing trust fund

RAHD, the precursor to CHA, coordinated Ready to Rent and other housing initiatives.

LCS principal Nicole Boucher presenting the Ardley Academic Trophy, the school’s top academic achievement to Lauren Frost (left), Aislinn McKeown Ferris and Maeve Hayward.

Student achievements recognized at annual LCS award ceremony

LCS concludes the school year by honouring its top students.

LCS principal Nicole Boucher presenting the Ardley Academic Trophy, the school’s top academic achievement to Lauren Frost (left), Aislinn McKeown Ferris and Maeve Hayward.
Town staff removed a number of native plants from Saywell Park after they were planted by volunteers as part of a riparian restoration project.

Saywell restoration project halted due to ‘miscommunication’

An ambitious project in June 2013 saw the restoration of the shoreline at Saywell Park.

Town staff removed a number of native plants from Saywell Park after they were planted by volunteers as part of a riparian restoration project.
At Country Grocer on Saturday (June 27), Dianna Fontaine (left) and Marg Livingstone, with Rinda Munslow and Bernice Komo, were serving up hot dogs and sauerkraut to raise money for the 55+ Senior Centre.

Our community in Brief: July 1, 2015

Open fire ban and water restrictions now in effect.

At Country Grocer on Saturday (June 27), Dianna Fontaine (left) and Marg Livingstone, with Rinda Munslow and Bernice Komo, were serving up hot dogs and sauerkraut to raise money for the 55+ Senior Centre.
Lake Cowichan town councillor Bob Day.

Low turnout for public hearing highlights lack of engagement

Social media: Councillor uncertain how effective online presence would prove to be.

Lake Cowichan town councillor Bob Day.