The Downtown Duncan Business Improvement Area will hold an open house for members only at its headquarters at 203-111 Station St. on Sept. 21, starting at 5:30 p.m.
The BIA was established in 1995 with the goal to improve and promote the downtown Duncan area.
Executive director Catherine Macey said that BIA sometimes flies under the radar, and that the public, and even some of its own members, are not always aware of the good and important work that the organization has done over the last 22 years.
“The open house is an opportunity too show what we do and what we have accomplished,” Macey said.
“People will be able to mix and mingle with BIA members, directors, and staff and share their thoughts, ideas, and questions about the BIA.”
Macy said the BIA is also excited about the new video the association recently had produced by Potentially Famous Productions to highlight the downtown core.
Catalyst applauds tax cut for electricity usage
Catalyst Paper, which owns the Crofton pulp and paper mill, is applauding the government’s commitment to eliminate the provincial sales tax on electricity for commercial and industrial users in its 2017 budget update.
Effective this fall, the PST on electricity for commercial and industrial users will be reduced from seven per cent to 3.5 per cent, and on April 1, 2019, electricity for commercial and industrial users will be fully exempt from the PST.
“Catalyst wants to thank the government for recognizing the importance of the pulp and paper sector to B.C.’s economy,” said Len Posyniak, Catalyst’s president of human resources and corporate services.
“The elimination of this tax will help industry in B.C. improve its competitiveness.”
CTRA gets grant to create mobile tack store kiosk
The Cowichan Therapeutic Riding Association will receive a grant of $5,500 from the Coastal Community Credit Union to purchase a trailer to turn into a mobile tack store kiosk.
The funding from the credit union’s Building Healthier Communities Fund will help support the association’s equine-based wellness programs for children and youth with special needs.
The funding for the association is one of four grants the credit union has handed out to provincial organizations this year through the BHCF.
“Each of these organizations shares our vision of social responsibility, leadership and building healthy vibrant communities,” said credit union spokeswoman Allyson Prescesky.
“We are inspired by their passion to enrich the lives of our young people, many of whom are among our communities’ most vulnerable members.”
Mill Bay expert to talk all things real estate
Mill Bay’s Peter D. Morris will be the featured workshop leader at the Vancouver Island Commercial Realtor Summit on Oct. 3 at the Westin Bear Mountain Resort.
Morris is the founder and principal consultant of the Greenstead Consulting Group, an international commercial real estate advisory and training organization.
This full day workshop, called the Masterguide to Leasing, is based on his book Masterguide to Leasing for Retail Landlords; but with expanded content to cover all asset classes, including retail, office and industrial properties, and both the landlord and tenant perspectives.
For more information, contact Catherine Tremblay at ctemblay@vireb.com or call 1-800-663-1099.
New yoga classes starting in Duncan in October
Certified Kum Nye instructor Don McGinnis will be offering Kum Nye Tibetan yoga classes at the Collective Space in Duncan every Thursday at 2:30 p.m., starting Oct. 12.
These classes, although suitable for all ages and levels, are more suited to people who have an interest in developing mindfulness and meditation skills, developing a present centred focus, and improving concentration.
For information, check out his web site by clicking here , or call 250-897-5576.