Open fire ban in effect across Island
Category Two and Category Three open fires are now banned across Vancouver Island, Haida Gwaii, coastal BC and the Lower Mainland, with an exception for the “fog zone” on the west coast of Vancouver Island.
In addition to open fires, the ban also prohibits stubble and grass fires, the use of fireworks, firecrackers, sky lanterns and burning barrels, as well as the use of binary exploding targets.
Campfires smaller than a half-metre high and a half-metre wide are still allowed.
The CVRD warns that violators may be issued a $345 ticket or a penalty of $10,000.
Lake Cowichan moves to stage two water restrictions
The Town of Lake Cowichan announced last week that stage two water restrictions are now in effect.
Sprinkling of lawns are restricted to two hours per day(6 to 8 a.m. or 8 to 10 p.m.), twice a week (Wedensday and Saturday for even numbered addresses and Thursday and Sunday for odd-numbered addresses).
A full list of restrictions are available on the town’s website (town.lakecowichan.bc.ca).
Island-wide poetry and writing contests
The Poetry Institute of Canada recently launched two writing contests with cash prizes being awarded to the chosen pieces.
The poetry contest is open to all ages, and poems should be original and 32 lines or less. All styles are welcome.
The creative writing contest is open to writers 18 years or older, and short fiction, essays, poetry and prose are all welcome.
The deadline for submissions is July 31. There is no entry fee and winners will be published in a hardcover anthology. Email poetryinstitute@shaw.ca for more information.
Summer swimming lessons at Arbutus Park in Youbou
Cowichan Lake Recreation is hosting a series of swimming lessons for kids ages four months to twelve years. Session one will be held July 6 to 16, session two will be July 20 to 30 and session three will be August 4 to 14 and 17 to 27.
Lifeguards will also be on duty at Arbutus Park from July 6 to September 4 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays and from noon to 5 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.
