Lake Cowichan Gazette, February 25, 2015 by Black Press Media Group

Gazette The Lake Cowichan

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2015

VOL. 19, NO. 8 | $1 + GST

| www.lakecowichangazette.com

Jackie Cummings: New Lake Days leader speaks about her role PAGE 3

Chamber Week: Featuring our local Chamber of Commerce PAGES 12-13

Experience Lake Cowichan: Local First Nations planning new project PAGE 10

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Photo Dennis Skalicky

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From left: Patti Anderson, Dyllan Weirsma, Rita Viviers and the rest of the Country Grocer staff get ready for Pink Shirt Day, also known as Anti-bullying Day, which takes place today (Feb. 25).

Can cohousing catch on in Lake Cowichan? $7,000 t

are characterized by a focus on social interaction and, to a lesser extent, environmental and economic sustainability. Residents of cohousing neighbourhoods typically live within their own self-sufficient houses, with a shared “common house” used to host neighbourhood events such as potlaches. The layout of these neighbourhoods are designed in such a way that residents are frequently coming into contact e

Drew McLachlan

LAKE COWICHAN GAZETTE

Though they began to appear in Canada as far back as the 1980s, cohousing neighbourhoods have recently seen a huge surge in popularity, with neighbourhoods popping up all around Canada – and now a local group wants to bring the housing trend home to Lake Cowichan. Cohousing neighbourhoods

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with one another, whether they are house.” After finding success in While still in the early stages, UP TO lounging on their porch or walking Denmark, the cohousing concept Kidd and his group of four have to from their vehicle to their front made its way to North America done their research, speaking with door. Community decisions are in 1988. Since then, cohousing cohousing residents from around decided on by each community e v neighbourhoods have become the Island. e n t popular in British IN TOTAL PRICE Kidd ADJUSTMENTS member, in a sort-of microimmensely Though said the Amount available on the 2014 Veloster Turbo Manual democratic process. Columbia, with the Canadian community would benefit most The cohousing tradition dates Cohousing Network listing 19 in from an inter-generational back to 1964, when a group in the province, far above the rest of population, much of the interest has UP TO Denmark set out to create a more the country combined. Resident been from older residents, likely supportive neighbourhood and find David Kidd visited several of due toPURCHASE the lack ofFINANCING senior-friendly the “missing link between between them while researching for Lake housing already established FOR UP TO 96 MONTHSin the dated one-family cohousing community. Lake Cowichan. vUtopia ON SELECT MODELS IN TOTAL PRICECowichan’s ADJUSTMENTS e nand t — Continued on page two Amount available on the 2014 Veloster Turbo Manual

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Wednesday, February 25, 2015 THE LAKE| COWICHAN GAZETTE 22Wednesday, February 25, 2015 | THE LAKE COWICHAN GAZETTE www.lakecowichangazette.com

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Town hosts public meeting Question Period: Residents get chance to query new town council for the first time since elections Drew McLachlan

Lake CowiChan Gazette

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The Town of Lake Cowichan held a public meeting last Wednesday (Feb. 18), in which residents were invited to voice their concerns to Mayor Ross Forrest and town council. Much of the discussion centred around attracting businesses, the recent boil water advisories and the need for a senior care facility. After a surprise presentation by the Cowichan Valley Hospice Society on end-of-life care, the floor was open to residents to ask questions. Helen Lajeneusse recounted that a number of people had died in town the past year, and expressed on behalf of the town’s aging population the urgency of establishing a senior care facility. Mayor Forrest responded with an update on the situation, saying that the Town had applied for a $19,850 age-friendly grant, which would be used to fund a study on the needs of the population and the steps needed to go forward. Bert Lievre queried the sudden

emergence of boil water advisories in Lake Cowichan. Councillor Tim McGonigle explained that Island Health had recently changed drinking water regulations, which he said the Town wasn’t informed of, and that they are currently looking for the most cost-effective way to implement a now-mandatory secondary water treatment system. Several residents asked questions and made comments regarding business within the town, many complaining of the high cost of renting commercial space or unsightly buildings downtown. Mayor Forrest said that incentives offered last year to building owners to repaint or renovate their buildings had been unsuccessful, and that the Town is currently looking at alternative ways to beautify downtown Lake Cowichan and attract more businesses. Approximately 28 people were in attendance. Town council meetings are also held each Tuesday evening and are open to the public.

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Kidd isn’t only looking to emulate projects from Nanaimo or Sooke, he’s hoping to build a community that will meet the needs of Lake Cowichan. “It’s not normally part of cohousing groups, but we’re looking at the possibility of non-intense care for seniors,” says Kidd. “We could have a unit set aside as a possible nursing station. I’m not expecting it to fill the role of a senior care home, though.”

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The group has come across a “chicken and egg” dilemma, according to Kidd, determining whether to start with finding prospective residents or finding a suitable plot of land. Kidd says the location would have to be close enough to local resources, such as the grocery store and post office, that older residents wouldn’t need to drive. They would also need space for a community garden, as well as the dozen or so housing units, mostly duplexes. “A lot of people are going to have to spend a lot of hours putting it together,” says Kidd. “But as you do that, you’re already building a community.” Kidd says the next step for the group will be to talk informally with residents, testing the water for general interest and what their needs would be. Kidd also recently presented the idea at a town council meeting, receiving a warm reaction from town officials. Kidd says that if interest is high enough, and a suitable piece of land can be found, construction could begin within the next three years. “The four of us would most likely move in,” says Kidd, “so we’re hoping to move forward soon, or some of us may not be around to move in.”

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www.lakecowichangazette.comTHE | THE LAKE COWICHAN GAZETTE Wednesday, | Wednesday,February February 25, www.lakecowichangazette.com LAKE COWICHAN GAZETTE 25,2015 20153 3

Jackie Cummings takes on head role of Lake Days Lake Days 71: Cummings said her focus for this year’s event will be to keep it ‘true to what it’s been’ Drew McLachlan

Lake CowiChan Gazette

When Bob Day, executive chairperson of the Lake Days Society, stepped down from his position on Jan. 20, he left a lot of questions regarding the future of Lake Cowichan’s favourite annual event. Weeks later, the lead role remained empty, with no board members stepping up to fill the seat. With planning for the event getting further and further behind schedule, the group worried that outside intervention may be necessary for Lake Days to stay afloat. At a town council meeting earlier this month, former chairperson Laurie Johnson proposed the idea of the Town of Lake Cowichan taking control of Lake Days, with similar proposals also made to the Cowichan Lake District Chamber of Commerce and Cowichan Lake Recreation. Last Monday (Feb. 16), Jackie Cummings announced that she would be taking on the lead role of Lake Days for its 71st year. She spoke with the Gazette regarding her new position shortly after.

been told by [former executive chairperson] Bob Day that there are some new faces, and I’ve had some phone calls from people last week asking if they could help. Right now my goal is to sit down and get to know who everybody is, what they bring to the table, and kind of go from there. We’re a little bit behind schedule so I don’t want to come in with any big vision of something wildly different – I’d like to keep it true to what it’s been – but I’m definitely open to suggestions. I’ve already gotten some in, and we’ll play around with those to see if they’re feasible, but I don’t want to go about reinventing the wheel.

substitute some things that might be a bigger draw, we’ll absolutely do that. G: and are you worried about being able to catch up? JC: It’s a minor concern, I don’t think it will be that big of a deal. We’re not that far behind, we’ve only missed the January meetings and some of the February meetings, so we’ve lost about six weeks. The board I have has been around for a long time, so I’ll rely on them a little bit. I’ve got Bob Day’s help as well, so I’ll be able to rely on them for assistance and guidance. G: are you hoping this position will be a long-term one for you?

***

The Gazette: what is your role as executive chairperson? Jackie Cummings: My role will be to head all the different committees so when the week comes everything will run nice and smoothly. That’s the hope, at least. G: and why did you decide to take the role? JC: I got a phone call from a girlfriend of mine who told me that [Lake Days] was going to fold. She knows that I’m at home right now and I’ve got a fair bit of time on my hands – I’m in between schooling right now. She told me she’d help me out, and I’ve done stuff like this in the past. But mostly I stepped up because I didn’t want to see Lake Days fold. G: So what have you done in the past? JC: Just in the past five years, after I moved back to the Island, I ran the Spring Fling at Palsson School, I was the chairperson, and I was president of Lake Cowichan Minor Hockey for about ¾ of a season, so [Lake Days] is kind of up my alley. G: i know it may be too early to say, but do you have any changes in mind? Do you have a vision for Lake Days? JC: I’d like to sit with everybody on the board, I’ve yet to meet everyone. I’ve

Photo Drew McLachlan

G: when you say you want to keep Lake Days true to what it’s been, what does that mean to you? JC: Back when it started, it was a family picnic, and it’s expanded with the logging games, the soap box derby, the Lady of the Lake pageant, the baby pageant, the road hockey tournament – to be able to keep that stuff going seamlessly is important, it’s what people have come to expect. If we can add some new things, or

JC: I didn’t come into it with that thought, but I’m open to the idea. If it’s a great experience I may stay on, at least to some capacity. I’m going to school in July, so we’ll have to see. G: why do you think it took so long for somebody to step up to the position? JC: It’s a big commitment, it really is. It can be daunting if you haven’t taken on a position of that capacity, or even something smaller to get your

feet wet, so I can see why so many people would volunteer to help but not want to actually run it. It’s a lot of work, but I think my role is mostly to oversee the committees. I’m there to spearhead a few things as well, but I don’t have to do everything, I don’t have to wear every hat. I understand that role, but some people may not fully understand what that means. It’s a daunting task, so I respect that. G: is there anything in particular you’re nervous about? JC: I’m putting my name to it, so I want to do a good job. I don’t want people at the end of the day to say “I hope that girl doesn’t come back.” Of course you’re going to have some critics along the way, and not everybody’s idea will come to fruition. You can’t please everybody, I understand that. I have a wonderful team though, so I’m not too worried, I’m still super excited. G: when i was talking to [former chairperson] Laurie Johnson, she had been pitching to town council and the Chamber of Commerce to take Lake Days over, though she mentioned that she would rather keep the event independent. Do you feel it’s important for Lake Days to hold onto its independence? JC: I think so. There are a lot of different aspects that rely on certain components, for instance Lady of the Lake is now completely independent from us, and there are some other events like that, but we all still work together. I don’t want to see Lake Days lose its vision, though I’m not sure how losing its independence would affect that. G: what does Lake Days bring to the community that nothing else does? JC: Lake Cowichan and the rest of the Valley is a huge tourist area. We’re a very small town, businesses are struggling, that’s no surprise to anybody, so if this can help bring a little bit more into the community and to the economy, the town is still thriving. We’re losing so many activities that have been a long-standing part of Lake Cowichan, like the Great Lake Walk, which is sad. I’d hate to see this fall to the wayside. That was another part of the reason why I wanted to take this position -- to keep us on the map. To bring in tourists, people who might not come here otherwise.

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Lake Cowichan Animal Rescue will be holding our

AGM on March 7, 2015

Time: 12 - 3pm • Bell Tower School

EVERYONE WELCOME

A luncheon will be served

FAITH DIRECTORY ANGLICAN St. Christopher and St. Aidan

70 Cowichan Ave. W Lake Cowichan 250-749-3466

BAPTIST Cowichan Lake Baptist Church 8259 Beaver Road Lake Cowichan 250-749-3211

Sunday Service 10:30 a.m. Sunday Service 10:30 a.m. Sunday School 10:30 a.m.

Rev. Sheila Flynn

Pastor Dale Winters

PENTECOSTAL ROMAN CATHOLIC Lake Cowichan St. Louis Christian Fellowship de Montfort 57 King George St. South Lake Cowichan 250-749-6492

60 Fern Road Lake Cowichan 250-749-4103

Sunday Service 10:30 a.m.

Mass Sunday 8:00 a.m.

Pastor Terry Hale

Fr. Alfredo Monacelli

NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING ELECTORAL AREA F – COWICHAN LAKE SOUTH/SKUTZ FALLS PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION

DATE: Thursday, March 5, 2015 TIME: 7:00 pm PLACE: Lake Cowichan Centennial Hall (Upper Hall), 309 South Shore Road, Lake Cowichan, BC The residents and landowners of Electoral Area F – Cowichan Lake South/Skutz Falls are invited to attend the AGM on the date noted above. Parks and Recreation Commission members provide advice to the CVRD on matters regarding Electoral Area “F” Community Parks. The purpose of the meeting is to hold nominations and elections for two (2) positions for a two (2) year term on the Electoral Area F – Cowichan Lake South/Skutz Falls Parks and Recreation Commission. Interested persons can also request to serve on the Commission in one of the four available appointed one-year terms. FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: CVRD Parks & Trails Division at 250746-2620 or toll free 1-800-665-3955.

44 Wednesday, February 25, 2015 18, | THE LAKE COWICHAN GAZETTE | www.lakecowichangazette.com Wednesday, February 2015 THE LAKE COWICHAN GAZETTE www.lakecowichangazette.com

TO COMMENT

We welcome your original comments on editorials, columns, on topics in the Lake Cowichan Gazette or any subjects important to you. Only letters that include name, address and day and evening phone numbers and that are veriﬁed by the Lake Cowichan Gazette can be considered for publication.

Got a news tip? Email us at: editor@lakecowichangazette.com

OPINION

Letters to the editor and articles submitted to the Lake Cowichan Gazette may be published or distributed in print, electronic or other forms and will be edited for clarity, grammar and length. Publication is not guaranteed. Email your thoughts to editor@lakecowichangazette.com or fax it to us at 250-749-4385

Why cut taxes for the rich?

B.C. Views: Economist justifies a controversial tax cut for the rich by pointing to fact that top 20 per cent of earners are paying 58 per cent of all income taxes Tom Fletcher BLACK PRESS

The B.C. government’s third straight budget surplus is the main battleground for provincial politicians this spring, with little else on the order paper to argue about. The main conflict is over the tax cut for the rich that results from removing a two-year surtax on personal income greater than $150,000 a year. It’s an outrage, says the NDP, starving our threadbare government services of more than $200 million over the next three years. NDP leader John Horgan set the tone in his reply to Finance Minister Mike de Jong’s budget speech: “I can appreciate that the minister was celebrating with the champagne-and-caviar set, but the rest of British Columbia saw $700 million in increased fees and taxes on their backs.” Old news, de Jong replied. It was a two-year surtax on highincome earners to help get B.C. out of its post-recession red ink, and it expired as it was legislated to do. This political theatre doesn’t help people understand what’s actually going on. First, a lot of that red ink was B.C.

Liberal blood from dismantling the harmonized sales tax and repaying Ottawa for that failed experiment. Second, this temporary tax on the rich was a political strategy by de Jong and Premier Christy Clark, limping into an election most expected them to lose. De Jong’s debut budget in February 2013 also accelerated a small increase in corporate income tax, stealing two populist planks from Adrian Dix’s NDP platform. Ending the surtax not only kept a promise, it kept B.C. competitive with Alberta on personal income taxes. High wage earners and many of their businesses are more mobile every year, which is why this year’s budget also extended tax breaks for high-tech and digital media companies. Another tweak in de Jong’s budget was to increase the low-income cutoff for personal income tax from $18,000 to $19,000. Those with the lowest incomes are relieved not only of income tax but also medical premiums, which continue to march up by another four per cent, and are mostly paid by employers. As with the federal election set for this fall, we will hear a lot

Gazette

about the burden on the vaguely defined “middle class.” In B.C. they have to dig deeper for car insurance, hydro, ferry rides and post-secondary tuition, while those top-hatted champagnesippers party on with their tax holiday? Well, not exactly. Here’s an assessment from Philip Cross, research co-ordinator at the Macdonald-Laurier Institute and former chief economic analyst at Statistics Canada. Just after the 2013 B.C. election, Cross noted that Canada, its provinces, Europe and the United States have all been adjusting their tax systems

to increase the load on wealthier people and ease it from the poor. This has closed the wage gap considerably in Canada. By 2010, the top 20 per cent of earners were paying 58.3 per cent of all income taxes. That’s up from 50 per cent in 1976, showing how long Canada’s income taxes have been “progressive.” This is the main reason why “income inequality,” that other great cause of the left, started leveling off in Canada around 1998. Cross points to measures like the low-income exemption from income tax. By 2013, the bottom 40 per cent of Canadian

households were paying just 6.8 per cent of income taxes, and more than a third of income tax filers were paying none at all. Cross asks and answers the central question: Should the rich pay more? “If it’s a misinformed attempt to compensate for imaginary losses of low-income people, the answer is clearly no.” Tom Fletcher is legislature reporter and columnist for Black Press. Twitter: @tomﬂetcherbc Email: tﬂetcher@blackpress.ca

The Lake Cowichan

Caycuse • Honeymoon Bay • Lake Cowichan • Mesachie Lake • Youbou

Box 10, Lake Cowichan, British Columbia V0R 2G0 Street Address: 170E-Cowichan Lake Road Phone: 250-749-4383 FAX: 250-749-4385 Classifieds: 1-855-310-3535 (toll free) EDITORIAL: editor@lakecowichangazette.com ADVERTISING: production@lakecowichangazette.com PUBLISHED EVERY WEDNESDAY BY BLACK PRESS LTD. Canadian Publication Mail Sales Product Agreement #1090194 We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada through the Canada Periodical Fund of the Department of Canadian Heritage.

DENNIS SKALICKY Publisher The Lake Cowichan Gazette is a member of the British Columbia Press Council, a self-regulatory body governing the province’s newspaper industry. The council considers complaints from the public about the conduct of member newspapers. Directors oversee the mediation of complaints, with input from both the newspaper and the complaint holder. If talking with the editor or publisher does not resolve your complaint about coverage or story treatment, you may contact the BC Press Council. Your written concern, with documentation, should be sent to BC Press Council, 201 Selby St., Nanaimo, BC V9R 2R2. For information, phone 888-687-2213 or go to www.bcpresscouncil.org

COLUMNIST Rolli Gunderson

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www.lakecowichangazette.com THE LAKE COWICHAN GAZETTEWednesday, | Wednesday, February25, 25, 2015 2015 55 www.lakecowichangazette.com THE| LAKE COWICHAN GAZETTE February

With Malcolm Chalmers

Street Beat

Cowichan Lake

SAYS We asked:

What do you think we can do to encourage new businesses to open in Lake Cowichan?

Dave MacDonald “It certainly wouldn’t hurt to advertise the fact we are trying to encouraging businesses to come to town. With all the empty stores, something could be done to make them look ready for new occupants, like a nice big sign so people know they’re available.”

Corrie Helliwell “Just giving commercial property owners a break in their taxes so they can help out new businesses by giving them a break on their rent for the first year. Then the town could wave the licensing for a year, just to get them going and get the buildings filled.”

Keith Nelson “Lower the tax structure for new businesses so they can stay in business. We’re so close to Duncan, we have 5000 people here, Duncan has [many] times that amount to draw customers from. There needs to be some tax incentives to attract businesses.”

Dorian Pugle “I think we are pretty much on the way there just by fixing up main street. We should also be capitalizing on winter sporting and stuff in this area to bring more people out here in the winter months. That would be a good thing.”

Garth Sims “First we have to get some industrial land here, make spots where they can set up. Second, Town Hall has to be more friendly towards businesses and people coming in here to set up shop. People do stop there and keep on going out of town. It has got to change.”

Your Say: Letters to the editor We want to hear from you! Letters to the editor are welcome, but writers are requested to keep their submissions to 350 words or less. Keep it local — letters in response to issues raised in our pages get top priority. Letters will be edited for clarity, grammar and length — attack the issue, not the individual. All letters must contain the name, address and signature of the writer, and a phone number where they may be reached during business hours. Thank you letters will not normally be considered for publication. Letters can be sent electronically to editor@lakecowichangazette.com.

Cowichan Transit looking for your feedback COWICHAN NEWS LEADER

The past five months have seen a fair amount of changes in the Cowichan Transit system. Now the people behind the system want to know what worked and what didn’t. Cowichan Valley Regional District and BC Transit staff will climb on board buses today and tomorrow to directly connect with transit users in order to gather feedback about the changes. The Cowichan Valley Regional District (CVRD) and BC Transit are reaching out to their customers for feedback on a number of recent service changes. Staff will be on buses directly connecting with customers. “On October 6, 2014, many service improvements were introduced to the Cowichan Valley Regional Transit System

including new service from South Cowichan to Cowichan Station and from the Lake Cowichan area to Cowichan Commons. Onrequest services were also introduced to the Youbou and Honeymoon Bay routes,” BC Transit spokesperson Meribeth Burton said in a media release. “Five months later, we want to hear from customers about those service changes.” Customers are also encouraged to offer their feedback online at www.bctransit.com/ cowichan-valley. The online survey will be live until March 1, 2015. The findings of the surveys will be shared with the CVRD Regional Engineering Services Committee in early spring. For more information on transit routes and schedules, visit the BC Transit website, or call 250-746-9899.

Correction from last issue: In the last issue (Vol. 19, No. 7), we did a story on Val Sangster, a local woman raising money for her grandson John, who has been diagnosed with cystic fibrosis. In the article, we mentioned that the money would be going towards John and Jaimon Raibey’s living expenses while undergoing operations in Toronto. However, the money is only in support of John’s expenses, though Sangster previously raised money on behalf of Raibey in a past fundraiser.

Photos Dennis Skalicky

Above: Aislinn McKeown Ferris (left) and Alyssa Porter were giving away cookies at Lake Cowichan School on Monday (Feb. 23) to help celebrate Random Acts of Kindness Week. Students could sign a pledge to do something nice for someone that day, and were given a free cookie.

Below: Robin Lackie (left) and Jim Marwood quickly load more clay pidgeons to use at the Cowichan Valley Gun Club’s Trophy Shoot. Over 1500 pidgeons were used during the numerous shoots at the event, which took place earlier this month — that’s only a quarter of the 6000 that get shot at their Boxing Day Shoot.

Wednesday, February 25, 2015

THE LAKE COWICHAN GAZETTE

6 Wednesday, February 25, 2015 | THE LAKE COWICHAN GAZETTE | www.lakecowichangazette.com

www.lakecowichangazette.com

A history of the Gospel Smile FILE Lighthouse Church COWICHAN LAKE

With Malcolm Chalmers

Occupation: Landscaper Hometown: Lake Cowichan I’ve always wanted to: Own my own business Most people don’t know that: I am the strong-silent type Favourite food: Avocados Best thing about living here: Summertime and the lake Favourite moment of day is: 9 o’clock in the morning, it’s when I’m most awake My guiltiest pleasure is: Beer My go-to wardrobe staple: Hoodies

Lisa Skramstad

Nov 2nd to Nov 27th $ 1569 + $610 tax Photo Rolli Gunderson

For many decades the building long known as the Gospel Lighthouse church has occupied a space on the corner of King George Street and Hammond Road. Built in the late 1940’s, it served its congregation and the community well for many decades until the congregation moved into a new building in January 2015.

60 STATION ST. • 250 -748 -8128 • 1- 800 - 434-0566

B.C. REG 1506

Sherri Brubaker

THANK YOU It is almost impossible to express my thanks and gratitude to all of my family: Denise, for arranging ambulance at airport, notifying Cowichan District Hospital of my arrival, and last but not least, letting friends and neighbours know of my daily progress. Thanks also, for keeping in touch with Auntie Willie constantly. Daryl: a huge thank you for flying to Las Vegas to drive Dad and Molly home in the motorhome. All your phone calls to Dad to help keep the stess levels down, thank you. A huge thank you to Auntie Willie for flying to Las Vegas to get me back home on an ariplane! Thank you to my special friend, Arlene, and special neighbour, Bonnie, also all other friends, for the numerous meals, goodies, visits, cards, flowers, and prayers that you have provided for Gary and I while at home convalescing after my accident. I am getting stronger everyday, and it seems time is going quickly, which is a good thing as it won’t be too much longer before I can get walking again. Thank you from the bottom of my heart! Sharron Carpentier

TOP FLOOR LAKE COWICHAN CONDO FOR SALE!

• • • •

$109,900 2 bedrooms with the master being quite large laundry room, bright well maintained kitchen, dining area. spacious living room with access to covered sun deck overlooking the park and Cowichan River. John Stilinovic, Associate Broker

RE/Max Mid Island Realty john@albernihomes4u.ca

(P)250-724-4725 (F)250-724-1645

Turning off the lights: With the Lake Cowichan Christian Fellowship no longer using the historic building, only time will tell if the old church will stay

Rolli Gunderson PAGES OF HISTORY Today the church building sits empty. No longer does the sound of hymns drift outside onto the street, no longer are the pews filled with members of the congregation who, so many years before, banded together to make the dream of having their own church building a reality. No longer are Sunday school lessons conducted in the back of the church building, nor are there weddings, funerals, memorial services or other functions held. The building is quiet now, in repose. The congregation has moved to a new site and will carry on their good works at their new location (Lake Cowichan Christian Fellowship on King George Street). The old church that was long remembered as the Gospel Lighthouse has earned a rest. Whether it be removed or used for some other purpose, only time will tell. It was back in 1947 that the visiting Rev. Rueben Swanson (1947-1949) began commuting from Duncan to Lake Cowichan each Sunday to deliver church services in the homes of members of a local congregation. It was during that time that he

suggested a church be built in Lake Cowichan. The members of the congregation, being who they were — hard working, good living, salt of the earth folks — had nearly all arrived here from Saskatchewan in the 1940’s and 1950’s. They were used to working hard for what they wanted or needed, and so they took on the challenge without a blink of an eye. “Property was [soon] bought and Rev. Swanson, his father and the men of the new [church] group put their hands to the shovel and pick and readied the recently purchased lot, to build on”. (Source: Gospel Lighthouse) Pentecostal Assembly Church History by Fredolph and Helga Sandburg, 1993). The building was soon far enough along to allow Sunday services to be held in the church basement. Later on, in 1948, the wife of Rev. Swanson was instrumental in organizing the Women’s Missionary Council (later known as Women’s Ministries). By January 1949, the first Sunday school lessons began. Over the decades, as new pastors came and went, many building projects were completed on the church. The first permanent pastor was Rev. George Melmoth (1949-1952), who with his wife lived in a “little two-room shack” until a small section of the church was developed into living quarters for them. Eventually, a parsonage was built beside the main building on which “a new entrance, an office, and bathrooms had been added.”

Between 1957 and 1961 an extension was added to the back of the church which held a furnace room, laundry area and bathrooms were built under the direction of Rev. Robert Delgatty, (1961-1965) who also oversaw the addition of new church pews. In 1988, the fourtieth anniversary of the church was celebrated under the auspices of Rev. Dave Olson (1985-1990) with most of the former pastors in attendance. That year, Kaatza Daycare occupied a space in the church basement while they awaited the completion of a new daycare in another facility. Over the years, the church was led by various pastors — some mentioned above — as well as Rev. Leonard Blackmore (19521955), Rev. George Beital (19551957), Rev. Elwood Shannon (1957-1961), Rev. Erwin Fuhrmann (1965-1971), Rev. Graves (1979-1982), Lay pastor Mr. Wayne Pratt (1982-1983) and Rev. Tony Andrews (1983-1986). The current pastor, Terry Hale, has been at the church for several years now. Many of the old family names (some still living in the area), associated with the church in the early days, come to mind and include Alrick and Nora Johnson, Ellis and Ragna Matson, Elgie and Sylvia Johnson’s, K. John Johnson’s, Bob and June Leys, Aimee Schutte, Art & Hazel Peterson, Gordon and Alma Peterson, the Weberg’s, Fredolph and Helga Sundberg, Mrs. Marie Gunderson, Art and Linnea Bloom, Ed and Hannah Lindoff, Heal, Sanrud, Haslam and perhaps many more.

www.lakecowichangazette.com | THE LAKE COWICHAN GAZETTE | Wednesday, February 25, 2015 7

250.749.6660

www.lkc.ca 145 South Shore Rd. Lake Cowichan

Keith Nelson

TOLL FREE PAGE 1-800-729-3246

keith@lkc.ca

forrestatthelake@gmail.com

Tracy Forrest

470 Point Ideal 268 Castley Heights $69,900 $49,000

A great South-East facing lot just waiting for your house plans. Only a 30 second walk to beautiful Cowichan Lake for fishing, Boating & swimming.

HISTORICAL HOME .63 ACRE 4 bdrm & den home in sought after Fairbridge. Just over 72 acres, the prestigious homes in this unique are offer privacy and security. Formal dining rm area, lg.L/rm, family rm/wood fp, walk in closet, heat pump, built in vacuum. Cottage at the back of property. 4775 Fairbridge

LOTS

WHEN YOU WANT IT LISTED - WHEN YOU NEED IT SOLD

$599,000

8612 North Shore

$269,900

INVESTOR ALERT! A great way to get into the market with this well priced 3 bedroom home located on a corner lot. Upgrades include a remodelled bathroom and some new laminate floors. Large covered deck, great for BBQ’ing and a good sized back yard. New roof.

PENDIN

92 Cowichan Ave. East

10034 March Road FIRST TIME IN YEARS ON THE MARKET!

SPECTACULAR VIEWS

This 3 level, 3 bedroom home has a large bright kitchen and lots of storage in the basement. The property which sit on nearly a half acre suggesting subdivision potential. The house needs TLC and sold “As Is, Where Is”. This home must be sold so bring your ideas!

10 & 16 King George St.

$245,000

$199,999 10125 South Shore

This waterfront home has the WOW factor! Located in a protected bay - waterski, fish, lounge on the dock by the beach. 2000 sq ft family home. Many updates: windows, roof, kitchen, bathroom & more. Outdoor features are fruit trees, garden, big level lawn, wharfs all on .43 of an acre.

$639,000

GREAT FAMILY HOME

10085 Youbou Road REDUCED

$299,000

BEAVER LAKE RESORT

$2000 BUYER BONUS

$89,900

SOLD!

434 Point Ideal Dr.

209 Quamichan

$329,900

Family home with 5 bdrms and 4 baths. Radiant hot water heating that is extremely efficient in the winter months. Nice U shaped kitchen with quality floor tiles. Mstr bdrm has a walk in closet and 3 pc bath that includes a lg. Jacuzzi tub. Potential investment

33 Pine Street

$250,000

$199,000

$169,000

CLOSE TO AMENITIES Affordable lakefront living in this 4 bedroom, 2 bath home with its own private dock. Sit and enjoy the beautiful views of Lake Cowichan while entertaining on the spacious patio area. Priced to sell!

8612 North Shore

$269,900

HUGE SHOP 1200 Sq Ft shop with two bays for all your toys. This 3 bedroom home is situated on a roomy .32 acre lot. The back yard is large and private.Located close to all town amenities

$309,000

196 Neva

PARADISE VILLAGE

Lovely recreational lot & trailer on a waterfront development consisting of 12 acres. 4 acres of play fields, private marina, boat launch, sandy beach and year round caretaker.

#57-6855 Park Ave

$114,000

WATERFRONT

Great Investment property in the heart of Lake Cowichan. This property has been used as a residential rental but lends itself to redevelopment for commercial because of the prime location.

250 South Shore Rd.

$369,900

84 Nelson Rd.

Character home on a quiet street with many upgrades including new windows & baseboards throughout, new woodstove, newer roof and so much more! Pride of ownership is obvious, this is an older home which has been thoughtfully restored. An excellent opportunity for a starter home or investment.

$185,000 HEATED FLOORS

Quality home with stunning lake views. Located directly across from the marina, this home is zoned to allow for a B&B or home based business. Offering two entrances, living areas, kitchens, sundecks, 4 bedrooms and 2 full baths. Call today to view this beautiful home!

Steps from the Trans Canada Trail, walking distance to all amenities, 3 bdrm rancher. Nice sized U shaped kit., big living area, propane fp, lg. open area that could be used as a den or family rm. A must see!

CHARACTER HOME

68 Boundary

Waterfront lot located in the prestigious Creekside Estates on the sunny south facing shores of Lake Cowichan. Lot size is 14, 124 sqft and is ready to build on. Bring your dream home plans!

LAKE FRONT LIVING

Well maintained home with curb appeal, private landscaped backyard. Sep driveway for your RV/Boat? 2 storey, 3 bdrm, 2 bath, open plan on a quiet no-thru road close to the Cowichan River. Walking distance to town. Call realtor for more info. on buyer bonus!

OFFER WHAT YOU THINK…

2 Rec lots for the price of 1. Family friendly lakefront private RV park has a lot to offer, including full bathrooms with shower facilities, picnic area, playground, lake access for small boats and a seasonal store. Have one lot and rent the other or use for family gatherings.

53 & 54-8631 S.Shore Rd.

$245,000

34 Creekside $319,900

STUNNING LAKE VIEWS

Charming 3+ bdrm/2 bath home on .32 of an acre. Lake & mountain views makes this home a must see! The home features beautiful woodwork throughout including inlaid solid wood floors and magnificent ceilings. Included is a large two level finished shop featuring a ventilation paint room, woodworking area, kitchen & bathroom. The grounds are stunning with rock walls, fish ponds and a large greenhouse for those with a green thumb. If you appreciate quality workmanship, this is the home for you!

SOLD!

Great family home in a Wonderful Neighborhood. Fully finished spacious 5 bed / 3 bath home including a 12’ x 25’ garage and separate workshop. Offers central vac, heat pump, awning over deck & a big fenced back yard.

504 Johel Cresc.

$145,000

SPECTACULAR VIEWS

GREAT FAMILY HOME Across from the lake in Honeymoon Bay is this well designed 3 bed/ 2 bath rancher on .41 of an acre. Arched ceilings and skylights are just some of the many features. Priced to sell!

Lot 11 Indian Road $225,000

Fabulous lake views & only Flat lot across the road 2 ½ acre treed lot on from lake front and the outskirts of Lake Cowichan. min. from the boat launch. spectacular views of Build your home up high, Great opportunity to build a enjoy the views this lot has Cowichan Lake, Bald Mts. beautiful home in your own to offer. Geo Technical report & the Narrows. Water & private wilderness. Zoning on file. A great investment! septic system already in includes B & B or intensive place. Bring your plans. agriculture.

WATERFRONT Affordable lakefront living in this 4 bedroom, 2 bath home with its own private dock. Sit and enjoy the beautiful views of Lake Cowichan while entertaining on the spacious patio area. Priced to sell!

5 March Road $95,000

10552 Coon Creek

Sunny Youbou waterfront on .29 acre The main home has 3 bedroom & 2 bathrooms, beautiful birch floors and an open plan kitchen / living roomdesign. There is a 2nd residence with 2 bed/1 bath which is currently being rented. Why not own a piece of paradise?

$575,000

8 Wednesday, February 25, 2015 | THE LAKE COWICHAN GAZETTE | www.lakecowichangazette.com

You’ll Feel Like Family.

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www.lakecowichangazette.com | THE LAKE COWICHAN GAZETTE | Wednesday, February 25, 2015 9

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10 February 25, 2015 | THE LAKE COWICHAN GAZETTE 10Wednesday, Wednesday, February 25, 2015 THE LAKE| www.lakecowichangazette.com COWICHAN GAZETTE

www.lakecowichangazette.com

Local First Nations have big plans for waterfront Lake Cowichan Experiences: Proposed business, set to open within five years, would host canoe tours, rent watercraft and house a gift shop and cafe Drew McLachlan

Lake CowiChan Gazette

After gaining approval from Chief Cyril Livingstone last Tuesday (Feb. 17), the Lake Cowichan First Nations recently announced a new, ambitious project, set to begin this summer. The project, tentatively titled “Lake Cowichan Experiences,” is organized into three phases. Having completed the business plan, the band is in the process of seeking funding from the federal government’s Aboriginal Affairs department. If funding is successful, operations manager Aaron Hamilton said the project could be completed as early as 2020.

test tours.” The second and third phases of the project will include the construction of a building that will contain non-motorized watercraft rentals, a gift shop and a cafe, all overlooking Cowichan Lake from North Shore Road. Hamilton said that plans for a second public boat launch and marina are in the works as well, though a public meeting will be held before those plans are finalized. “It’s going to be built on reserve land, on our land, but I still want the community to buy into the idea, I don’t want to catch anyone off-guard,” Hamilton said. “We’re not trying to be a direct competitor, the marina’s wait-list can include up to 30 people at times, so there’s

“ ” I think Lake Cowichan is on the cusp of some huge developments... and we’re hoping to be a major player in our own territory. Aaron Hamilton

The first phase of the project, which residents could see as early as June, will include the launch of a guided canoe tour pilot program, which would take tourists around the lake on replica canoes, showcasing First Nations history and culture. The full canoe tour program is planned to launch next summer and run annually from June 15 to early September. “This summer will just be about getting our feet wet, and seeing how we can improve,” Hamilton said. “We’re hoping on taking local business owners, Chamber of Commerce people and others on

Photo Drew McLachlan

Coordinator Aaron Hamilton recently submitted the business plan for “Lake Cowichan Experiences,” which includes a mock-up of the building (pictured right). Local First Nations are now awaiting approval for federal funding.

clearly a need for another public marina. It couldn’t hurt to have another boat launch either, judging by how busy it gets in the summer.” According to Hamilton, the first phase of the project will employ five to seven people. While the band will be looking to hire “their own,” its likely that they will need to look to Lake Cowichan or neighbouring Nations in order to hire a full staff. Though the waterfront project has been in the plans since 2012, it marks the second project the Lake Cowichan First Nation has taken on this year, the first being the pole project set for Ts’uu baa-asatx

Square. Hamilton referred to the two projects as a “catalyst” for the band’s future projects. “I think Lake Cowichan is on the cusp of some huge developments,” he said. “We’re looking to do unique things in the community and we’re hoping to be a major player in our own territory.” Meanwhile, residents can look forward to the continuation of the pole project in Ts’uu baa-asatx Square, with the rough carving of the pole set to begin in April. Residents can aid in the rough carving in exchange for a nominumum donation, which will

be used to supplement the cost of materials and the artist. Artist Ron Hamilon submitted his first design sketches for the pole earlier this month, and the project is estimated to be complete in late August.

The completion of the pole will be celebrated with a traditional ceremony, featuring the raising and blessing of the finished product.

Meet the new voice of the island

All Points West Begins March

@ AllPointsWestBC

2 nd Weekdays at 3 pm

@ CBCRobynBurns

www.lakecowichangazette.com THE COWICHAN LAKE COWICHAN GAZETTE | Wednesday, February 25,2015 2015 11 www.lakecowichangazette.com THE |LAKE GAZETTE Wednesday, February 25, 11

Lake Cowichan Community Garden work parties sowing progress this spring Starting from Seed: Two workshops planned for February and March Last Saturday (Feb. 21) at a special meeting, the Lake Cowichan Community Garden had an update on progress from Erin Ward of Cowichan Green Community. Ward outlined progress on the garden and Cara Smith provided a pictorial view of progress and guidelines for the garden project. They then listened to Carol Sims who outlined the development of the Jubilee Community Garden in Duncan. Sims is a master gardener and is well known because she spent 10 years assisting gardeners at Dinters. Carol has been involved with the Jubilee Garden since its beginnings in 2003, when they started with a communal area and 10 individual plots each 20x5 feet. They now have 40 garden plots and a larger communal area. They feel this is enough with all the different characters and styles of gardening. A number of seniors are involved and they often have school children involved in their activities. They set out to be inclusive and also to supply wholesome food to local groups such as the food bank. This garden has made a point of being part of the local community. They often share food and have members take on responsibility for different tasks. They have a garden shed and have acquired a range of tools. From the outset, they

decided that they would use handwatering and be an organic garden learning about insects and their predators, arranging various plants to encourage bees. Not all gardeners are equal. Some are very sophisticated and some just get by. Sims invoked the story of the little red hen. “Who will help me plant my wheat? Not I!” Later, “who will help me eat the bread,” and so on. Initially she said they had problems with vandalism but that gradually diminished as they became more part of the community and local people took on more responsibility. Indeed, she feels they have reduced drug use issues in the area. They did have some theft of produce and at one point a member took a cell phone photo of the vehicle and had police follow up. This resulted in the return of one beautiful big squash. Following Sims and Dave and Beth Kidd initiated a simple practical planning exercise to help members to look at what needs to be done to get the garden fully functional for this season. Considerable work has already been done at the site bringing in manure and leaves to start improving the soil. Most of the pathways have been built and five fruit trees 16 berry bushes and a collection of lavenders and garlic have been planted.

Current needs include installing fencing to keep the deer outside, construction of individual garden boxes, a shed, a water supply and some sort of shelter. Members looked at how they could organize and schedule this work and who would do different tasks. One obvious outcome was the need to continue meeting to work out details as we move ahead. We will be looking for help with different supplies and tasks in future. After the meeting, a number of members moved down to the garden to continue the development work. These volunteer work parties are planned for every Saturday from noon to 3 p.m. through the end of March. Gardening experience is not necessary. Together with garden work we have planned a workshop on Starting From Seed at 10 a.m. in the Curling Lounge on Feb. 28 and on Growing Edible Native Plants on March 21. If you are interested and wish to participate in this garden activity or can help with supplies and special work please contact Erin by phone at 250-748-8506 or by email at erin@cowichangreencommunity. org or call Cara Smith at 250-7494296. —Submitted by Erin Ward and Cara Smith

Photo Malcolm Chalmers

Erin Ward from the Lake Cowichan Community Gardens shows off some of the new growth that is happening at the garden site. At Saturday’s meeting, Carol Sim from the Jubilee Community Garden in Duncan gave a presentation about the work they have been doing in the past 10 years at their garden.

CVRD Affordable Housing Report reveals cost, safety needs in Lake Cowichan Standards of Maintenance: Adopting a bylaw to ensure safe living spaces could also decrease the affordability of rental units Drew McLachlan

LAKE COWICHAN GAZETTE

The Cowichan Valley Regional District recently undertook a region-wide study, examining both the housing situation and needs of each community within the Valley. While housing rental and sale prices in Lake Cowichan are, on average, lower than in other towns in the Valley, the affordability challenges residents face is very similar. Rather than a gross cost for monthly rent, affordability is calculated by comparing this cost with an individual’s income. This means that while a $879 rental, the average in Lake Cowichan, would be considered affordable for a couple each earning the median income of $30,000 per year, the same rental would be considered unaffordable by a single occupant

earning the same income, as living costs surpass 30 per cent of annual income. While low-income seniors are especially challenged by finding affordable rental housing, the problem surpasses the population, affecting many families as well. Additional problems are presented for local residents, as costs related to transportation and electricity tend to be higher for those living in Lake Cowichan. As for safety, Lake Cowichan was shown to be on par with other municipalities in the CVRD, meaning that seven per cent of homes were in need of major repairs in order to live up to safety standards, with surveyed residents reporting issues with mould and

poor insulation. Ensuring that all rental units live up to safety standards, though, also carries the chance of increasing affordability issues. Particularly

run the risk of only making the situation worse for low-income residents. “Ultimately, it would be up to the municipality to decide whether or not to adopt a bylaw and how prescriptive such a bylaw should be,” Ann Kjerulf, senior planner for the CVRD, said. “This should be determined through a public consultation process and discussion with perhaps tenants and landlords within the community.” Currently, according to the CVRD Housing Report, there are 16 families in Lake Cowichan receiving rental assistance. Both the Town of Lake Cowichan and the CVRD, as well as all other municipalities in the Valley, have made steps towards making housing more affordable

“ ” Ultimately, it would be up to the municipality to decide whether or not to adopt a bylaw and how prescriptive such a bylaw should be. Ann Kjerulf in the case of more extensive repairs, a high investment could be necessary to ensure the building lives up to safety standards. If the Town of Lake Cowichan were to implement a Standards of Maintenance bylaw, they could

through the use of community plans and zoning bylaws. Local governments have also worked to support Social Planning Cowichan and the Regional Affordable Housing Directorate, which provides “ready-to-rent” classes for tenants, rental asistance to families facing eviction and advocacy on behalf of the region’s homeless population. The next step for the Town of Lake Cowichan, said Kjerulf, would be to establish a Housing Action Plan — a a strategy to address Lake Cowichan’s housing gaps and needs.These plans typically identify specific opportunities for affordable housing, such as land owned by local government that could be developed into affordable housing.

12Wednesday, Wednesday, February 25, 2015 LAKE COWICHAN GAZETTE 12 February 25, 2015 | THE LAKE COWICHANTHE GAZETTE | www.lakecowichangazette.com

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Cowichan Lake District Chamber of Commerce Your Chamber of Commerce: Strengthening Business. Building Communities

Our Chamber of Commerce offers a wide variety of benefits to member businesses President Ron McKenzie answers some common questions about the Chamber

A proud member of the Chamber

A Chamber of Commerce provides an avenue for local business to create a positive business environment. It also provides a vehicle to promote the community to the rest of the world, either for tourism growth or possible business investment purposes. The Chamber provides opportunity for those people who create local jobs and drive the local economy, to work with government and the public to build an even better community. It works closely with its local government. The provincial Chamber acts as the lead organization to lobby the provincial government on issues of mutual concern to all Chambers in the province, and the Canadian Chamber provide a similar role at the federal level. The Chamber is the voice of business. When a business joins the Chamber of Commerce they can learn about raising issues with government that affect business, and add their voice to the Chamber’s efforts to address those issues. Equally important is that the Chamber can then support the business person on the issues that affect his or her business. When a business joins the Chamber, it helps make the community — and the business — healthy and prosperous. Because Chambers of Commerce are business organizations, there are also some benefits to membership. There are excellent networking opportunities at general meetings and other special events. A Chamber provides business

Proud to be part of Cowichan Lake District Chamber of Commerce.

people the opportunity to get to know their peers in the local community. They can interact with them, make contacts, and give their business greater exposure to those who are its likely clientele. Chamber newsletters keep businesses up-to-date on what is happening. Not just on government issues, but on community events and Chamber activities. They also provide an excellent avenue for advertising directly to the most influential businesses in the community. Because Chambers of Commerce are business organizations they provide a number of benefits strictly geared to the business sector. One of the key services is training. Chambers of Commerce provide learning opportunities and seminars that help small business to operate more efficiently. Whether its computers, accounting, or human resources, the Chamber can, at the very least, point a business in the right direction to get the information it needs. The collective nature of a Chamber allows access to tangible financial benefits as well. Group insurance programs are an excellent example. A group of businesses accessing the Chambers of Commerce Group Insurance Plan for such things as medical, dental, disability and prescription drugs, can obtain much better rates than an individual business. The greater the number of participants, the more stable the risk for the insurer — hence the better the rates for participating businesses and organizations. Another benefit is the preferred merchant rates on major credit cards that the Chamber can provide

A Proud Member of the Chamber Sandy, Pat and Elaine Home Town Experts With a World of Experience

Town of Lake Cowichan

Service Is Our Business

• Shoes • Boots • Socks • Purses • Wallets & lots more

REMAX

Mayor and Council

F OOTWEAR C ENTRE

LAKE COWICHAN 81 Cowichan Lake Road, Lake Cowichan

www.remaxlakecowichan.com

250-749-6000

“Proud to be a Member and Supporter of The Chamber”

File Photo

Ron McKenzie, president of the Cowichan Lake District Chamber of Commerce.

its members. A business can save a great deal of money over the course of a year when it gets a rate of return on credit card sales that is better than if it did not belong to the Chamber. There are many other benefits, of course. Chambers of Commerce are always looking for ways to provide better services to their membership. Which brings us back to our original question — why join the Chamber of Commerce? It seems clear that there are far

LAKE COWICHAN LODGE

250-749-3721

—Submitted by Ron McKenzie President, Chamber of Commerce

LAKE DENTAL HEALTH CENTRE

A Suite Place to Stay

A Proud Member and Supporter of the Chamber

Proud supporters of local business Dr. John R. Wilson Inc.

201 Cowichan Lake Road

42 South Shore Road

more reasons to join the Chamber than there are not to. In the long run, however, whether you join to have an impact in the community or to gain more direct benefits, it seems that belonging to the Chamber of Commerce is simply good business and more members give a stronger voice to business.

Tel: 250-749-6717 Fax: 250-749-6787

46 South Shore Rd.

Ph: 250-749-3233 www.lakedentalhealth.com Email: ldhc@shaw.ca

Once again, Chamber of Commerce Week is upon us and your local Chamber is searching for members. Because of this, people always ask: What is a Chamber of Commerce? “A Chamber of Commerce (or board of trade) is a form of business network (e.g. a local organization of businesses) whose goal is to further the interests of businesses. Business owners in towns and cities form these local societies to advocate on behalf of the business community.” (Wikipedia) Some believe that it’s a branch of local government or some form of bank. However, neither is correct. The official answer is: a Chamber of Commerce is a voluntary organization established to promote civic, commercial, industrial and agricultural progress in the community it serves, and to work with local government for sound legislation and efficient administration of the business community. Please note that the Chamber’s membership is from local businesses and not-forprofit organizations and they in turn form a Board of Directors to govern the Chamber. Most communities in Canada have a Chamber of Commerce, and those who belong take great pride in their membership. Those who don’t belong, often ask Chamber members why they should join. And the answer is always the same. It’s because they are proud of being part of an organization that plays such a key role in building the community. Simply put, the Chamber exists to make the community a better place in which to live.

EST

B&B OPERATORS

Thank you! Thank you! Cowichan Lake B&Bs, Cottages and Cabins thank the Chamber and Katherine for running our Visitor Centre! A warm welcome and great information await our many visitors. www.lakecowichantbb.com

www.lakecowichangazette.com THE |LAKE GAZETTE Wednesday, February 25, 13 www.lakecowichangazette.com THE COWICHAN LAKE COWICHAN GAZETTE | Wednesday, February 25,2015 2015 13

Cowichan Lake District Chamber of Commerce Your Chamber of Commerce: Strengthening Business. Building Communities

2014: a busy year for the Chamber of Commerce

The Visitor Centre is a vital asset to the communities and the businesses here around the Lake and funding is an important component to making sure that the services offered are not decreased or discontinued. Your support monetarily and through inkind man hours throughout the year is appreciated and always welcome. We thank CVRD’s Area F and I and the Town of Lake Cowichan for their continual support to the Visitor Centre. During 2014 we had a total of 37,969 visitors, which marks an increase of 25.8 per cent over 2013 and this encompasses all of the different types of visitors from far away to local. We attribute this high increase in our visitors to the continual interest in our Heritage Cowichan River, our pristine Cowichan Lake, the Pacific Marine Circle Route, the Avatar Grove, the Mossy Maple Forest, the campgrounds, our welcome mats from businesses and the community, and the new location of the Duncan Visitor Centre, now known as the Cowichan Regional Visitor Centre (CRVC). The Duncan Visitor Centre has always guided visitors out our way as we do for them, yet this year it proved that with CRVC being more visual and having easier access is a great asset to the visitor and the surrounding communities in the Cowichan Valley. This year, we had three local parttime students working at the Visitor Centre and we have received reports from some of the thousands of visitors that have enjoyed our communities for the wonderful hospitality, service and beautiful natural attractions. Many visitors commented on the changes of the streetscape and how wonderful it all looks, and they will return to see the completion of the new Town Square by the new Library.

A proud member and supporter of the Chamber of Commerce

Lake Cowichan Full Automotive Service 250-749-6614

There were many suggestions made for what they would like to see here in our area, like a water park, dog park, buskers, street vendors, food establishments with patio lake and river views, bike rental and ball rentals for the volleyball court and tennis courts. Throughout the year, the staff, students and volunteers were busy with welcoming and connecting with the visitors and locals in person, on the telephone, email and social media. Through e-newsletters and flyers, we helped to promote the local and regional businesses, organizations, campgrounds, Cowichan Valley Parks and Trail, totem tours, wine and culinary attractions, museums, the weekend markets, movies, theatre, events such as Heritage Days, Lake Days, Honeymoon Bay Days, Salmon Mushroom Festival, Youbou Regatta, Lady of the Lake, Curling, Hockey, and the many other impromptu events and fundraisers put on by community members. When we had extra time on our hands we were out taking pictures of the area and creating post cards, assisting with events such as the Chamber Red Carpet Gala Oswald Awards, Town of Lake Cowichan Heritage Days, Chamber/Visitor Centre Junk in the Trunk, Cowichan Lake Days, Breakfast in the Town sponsored by CVRD’s Area F and I , Music in the Park, Visitor Centre Chili Barn Dance, Chamber Metal Drive, Chamber Business Showcase, Town and Chamber Christmas Decorating and the return of the Chamber Santa Parade. Wow! We had a great year of working together in our communities. We thank you and look forward to meeting and greeting everyone again in 2015.

File Photos

Left: Steve Johnson (left) and Geno Gagne volunteer to whip up their usual hearty supply of pancakes at the Chamber’s annual Breakfast in the town. (June 8, 2013)

Below, from left: Pat Foster from the Kaatza Museum, Gary Deol from Deol Estate Winery, Gil Mauro, Jessica Jang and Hing Jang from Deol Estate Winery at the Chamber’s Wine and Cheese event during Lake Days. The event was held as part of Lake Days and managed to raise over $2,500 for the Kaatza Station Museum and Archives. (June 2014)

File Photos

Above: Greg Mihnney’s table at the Chamber’s “Junk in the Trunk” event. (July 2014) Right: The Chamber brought back the Christmas parade last December, attracting 24 parade entries and 400 attendees. Santa Claus rode in on his own float and stayed around for the light-up, visiting with local children and handing out goodies from his sack of gifts. (November 29, 2014)

—Submitted by Katherine Worsley Visitor Centre Coordinator

LAKE COWICHAN

A Proud Member & Supporter of the Chamber 83 Cowichan Lake Rd

250-749-6335

A Proud Member and Supporter of the Chamber and Lake Cowichan

Keith Nelson

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“A proud member of the Chamber” COWICHAN LAKE RECREATION Call 250-749-6742 for a List of Leisure Activities Skating, Bowling and Drop-in Hockey Information

Proud to be the voice of business in the Cowichan Lake area

A14 www.lakecowichangazette.com 14 Wednesday, February 25, 2015 | THE LAKE COWICHAN GAZETTE | www.lakecowichangazette.com

Wed, Feb 25, 2015, Lake Cowichan Gazette

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CALL FOR ENTRIES 13TH ANNUAL Kitty Coleman Woodland Art & Bloom Festival. Fine Art and Quality Crafts Juried Show. Presented in a spectacular outdoor setting May 16, 17 and 18 Applications for Artisans are available at woodlandgardens.ca 250-338-6901

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www.lakecowichangazette.com | THECOWICHAN LAKE COWICHAN GAZETTE | Wednesday, February 2015 15 15 www.lakecowichangazette.com THE LAKE GAZETTE Wednesday, February 25,25,2015

Community Briefs Lake Cowichan featured on Global TV

Chamber of Commerce AGM and buffet dinner

Lake Cowichan was in the spotlight for a few minutes on Global TV’s “Small Town BC” segment on Saturday (Feb. 21). The segment featured pictures submitted by local photographers which featured tubing down the Cowichan River, Mile 70.2 Trestle, Copper Lane Fashion Boutique and local attractions. If you missed the segment, it’s available to view for free on Global TV’s website (www.globalnews. ca).

The Cowichan Lake District Chamber of Commerce will be holding their annual general meeting at the Cowichan Lake Sports Arena’s Curling Lounge on Feb. 26 from 6 to 9 p.m. Members have the opportunity to come out and network, hear the reports and year-in-review from the 2014 Board of Directors and enjoy a buffet dinner. Admission is $20 and seats are limited, so RSVP on the Chamber website (www.cowichanlake.ca).

Spring Break Lake Cowichan Free Skates at CL School to host Sports Arena health fair Photo Norma Winner

The house was packed at the 50 Plus Activity Centre on Saturday night (Feb. 21) as the Clover Point Drifters, a bluegrass band from Victoria, played to a crowd of all ages. A warm, welcoming atmosphere greeted the band, and the food, prepared by our fabulous cook and helpers, was excellent. A standing ovation at the end of their second set brought on an encore of “Grapes on the Vine,” one of their well-loved songs.

The Cowichan Lake Sports Arena will be hosting two free skates during spring break, on March 9 and 16 from 3:30 to 4:50 p.m. The rink will also be open for daytime skating from March 9 to 20, 11 a.m. to 12:50 pm, excluding March 13. On March 20, a public skate will be held from 6:30 to 7:50 p.m.

LCS will be hosting a health fair on April 16, designed to inform students and the community about health issues and opportunities in the area. Grade 10 students will be presenting their research on various health topics and activities, and several local groups will be represented with booths. The event is open to the public. To participate, contact Noni Battye at nbattye@ sd79.bc.ca —Drew McLachlan

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16 Wednesday, February 25, 2015 | THE LAKE COWICHAN GAZETTE | www.lakecowichangazette.com

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951A Canada Ave 250-748-4847 Cowichan Commons 250-715-1599 B1- 845 Deloume Road, Mill Bay 250-733-2626

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