Community

The Kinsol Trestle in Shawnigan Lake is a sight to behold. Funding for the expansion of the Shawnigan Museum celebrates its 100th anniversary. (Citizen file)

Shawnigan Museum expansion gets $480,000

Funds from Government of Canada Legacy Fund - Building Communities through Arts and Heritage program

  • Mar 4, 2021
In years past in-person ceremonies have been held for International Women’s Day. This year the observance is going online on Monday, March 8, 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. (file photo)

Virtual ceremony for Women’s Day in Cowichan on Monday

Audrey George, manager of the Ts’i’ts’uwatul’ Lelum assisted living facility, will be keynote speaker.

  • Mar 5, 2021
Chelsea Harry was last seen Feb. 21. Photo via Comox Valley RCMP

Vancouver Island RCMP seeking help locating a missing woman

Missing person last seen in Courtenay on Feb. 21

  • Mar 4, 2021
Members of the 4-H Horse Club enjoy the annual horse camp at the Cowichan Exhibition grounds. (submitted)

Farm Credit Canada supports Cowichan 4-H club with cash

On the list of recipients is the Cowichan 4-H Horse Club out of Cobble Hill.

  • Mar 8, 2021
Members of the 4-H Horse Club enjoy the annual horse camp at the Cowichan Exhibition grounds. (submitted)
‘It was a great week for Jan Pullinger, MLA. She accompanied Andrew Petter, the new Minister of Health to Lake Cowichan. He credited her with saving the Youbou mill. Left to right, Jan, Petter and Sam Beldessi, president of the Cowichan Seniors. Pullinger and Petter were visiting the Seniors’ Centre.’ (Lake News, March 6, 1996)

Lake Flashback: A new library, Peewee sports, and a resignation

Welcome to Lake Flashback. Reporter Sarah Simpson has been combing through old…

‘It was a great week for Jan Pullinger, MLA. She accompanied Andrew Petter, the new Minister of Health to Lake Cowichan. He credited her with saving the Youbou mill. Left to right, Jan, Petter and Sam Beldessi, president of the Cowichan Seniors. Pullinger and Petter were visiting the Seniors’ Centre.’ (Lake News, March 6, 1996)
Sahtlam Volunteer Firefighters Association has stepped up, in spite of COVID, for a number of charities. (Submitted)

Sahtlam firefighters step up

Sahtlam Volunteer Firefighters Association has a long history of supporting charities

  • Mar 6, 2021
Sahtlam Volunteer Firefighters Association has stepped up, in spite of COVID, for a number of charities. (Submitted)
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Steelhead rescue on the Cowichan River
What would you do if you missed out on $1-million dollars?
Canadian Tire replaces stolen toys for Salvation Army
Ask Santa
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Neurologist and medical educator Dr. Alexandre Henri-Bhargava, seen here speaking at the 2020 Breakfast to Remember in Victoria, will delve into the latest in dementia research during an interactive research event exclusively for attendees of this year’s virtual Breakfast. Access to the March 10 research event is included with the purchase of a Breakfast to Remember ticket. (Kevin Light Photography)

Blast off with Chris Hadfield at Alzheimer Society’s Breakfast to Remember in March

The Society hopes people in all corners of the province will make the most of this opportunity

  • Mar 3, 2021
Neurologist and medical educator Dr. Alexandre Henri-Bhargava, seen here speaking at the 2020 Breakfast to Remember in Victoria, will delve into the latest in dementia research during an interactive research event exclusively for attendees of this year’s virtual Breakfast. Access to the March 10 research event is included with the purchase of a Breakfast to Remember ticket. (Kevin Light Photography)
This poster, spreading misinformation regarding COVID-19 restrictions, has been popping up in communities across Vancouver Island.

UPDATED: Poster popping up in Island communities falsely claiming COVID restrictions are over

Unattributed poster claims COVID restrictions ended March 1; Island Health responds

This poster, spreading misinformation regarding COVID-19 restrictions, has been popping up in communities across Vancouver Island.
Lone orca from a pod that made its way north from Georgia Strait and into Discovery Passage on Saturday, Feb. 27, 2021. Photo by Ella Smiley/<a href="https://www.facebook.com/Comoxvalleywildlifesightings/?ref=page_internal" target="_blank">Comox Valley Wildlife Sightings </a>

Island wildlife viewers thrilled by close view of passing Orca pod

Group gives wildlife photographers a classic opportunity to view them off Campbell River shoreline

Lone orca from a pod that made its way north from Georgia Strait and into Discovery Passage on Saturday, Feb. 27, 2021. Photo by Ella Smiley/<a href="https://www.facebook.com/Comoxvalleywildlifesightings/?ref=page_internal" target="_blank">Comox Valley Wildlife Sightings </a>
Dasher is back home with mom Christine Girvin thanks to some help from BC Ferries staff. Photo supplied

The cat came back, with help from BC Ferries staff

After Dasher made a dash, staff in Comox found her and got her home safe

Dasher is back home with mom Christine Girvin thanks to some help from BC Ferries staff. Photo supplied
Captain and Maria, a pair of big and affectionate akbash dogs, must be adopted together because they are so closely bonded. (SPCA image)

Shuswap SPCA seeks forever home for inseparable Akbash dogs

A fundraiser to help medical expenses for Captain and Maria earned over 10 times its goal

Captain and Maria, a pair of big and affectionate akbash dogs, must be adopted together because they are so closely bonded. (SPCA image)
The BC SPCA is offering many chances for school-aged kids to learn about animal welfare and other animal topics. Pictured here is Keith, a three-month-old kitten seen on Nov. 4, 2020 at the Chilliwack SPCA. (Jenna Hauck/ Chilliwack Progress file)

From pets to wildlife, BC SPCA offers animal education programs geared to youth

BC SPCA offering virtual spring break camps, workshops and school presentations

The BC SPCA is offering many chances for school-aged kids to learn about animal welfare and other animal topics. Pictured here is Keith, a three-month-old kitten seen on Nov. 4, 2020 at the Chilliwack SPCA. (Jenna Hauck/ Chilliwack Progress file)
Tim and Yvonne Everson see Callie after she went missing for 43 hours. (Wade Deisman photo)

B.C. man rescues dog that was trapped for 43 hours inside hidden well

At first, Wade Deisman thought his neighbour got a new puppy, but the barking didn’t stop.

Tim and Yvonne Everson see Callie after she went missing for 43 hours. (Wade Deisman photo)
Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Cowichan Valley runs a program where seniors volunteer as mentors, among many other programs. (submitted)

United Way directs $400,000 to organizations helping people through the pandemic

$381,000 from federal government supplemented by $29,000 from United Way donors

Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Cowichan Valley runs a program where seniors volunteer as mentors, among many other programs. (submitted)
Lake Cowichan Secondary School Grade 12 student Juliana Pool performs a mash-up of songs on the piano during the school’s talent show, Wednesday, Feb. 9, 2011. Pool both sang and played the piano on songs like ‘Sweet Home Alabama’, ‘Free Falling’, ‘With or Without You’, and others. (Tyler Clarke/Lake Cowichan Gazette)

Lake Flashback: Test skipped; ‘Lake News’ sold; mill shutdown

Remember these stories from Lake Cowichan?

Lake Cowichan Secondary School Grade 12 student Juliana Pool performs a mash-up of songs on the piano during the school’s talent show, Wednesday, Feb. 9, 2011. Pool both sang and played the piano on songs like ‘Sweet Home Alabama’, ‘Free Falling’, ‘With or Without You’, and others. (Tyler Clarke/Lake Cowichan Gazette)
BCCOS officer Steve Petrovcic, BC Parks Ranger Jamie Godfrey and RCMP Cpl. Dan Jinda near Mt. Washington on Jan. 24. Photo supplied by BCCOS.

Conservation officers hold snowmobile compliance check at Mt. Washington

One in twelve riders fully compliant at January check

BCCOS officer Steve Petrovcic, BC Parks Ranger Jamie Godfrey and RCMP Cpl. Dan Jinda near Mt. Washington on Jan. 24. Photo supplied by BCCOS.
Celebrate with BC Girl Guides in the community on Feb. 22, as they shine their Guiding lights in support of girl empowerment. (File photo)

Big Stick turns blue for Guiding Lights Across BC on Feb. 22

B.C. landmarks, including a trio in the Cowichan Valley will be lit…

Celebrate with BC Girl Guides in the community on Feb. 22, as they shine their Guiding lights in support of girl empowerment. (File photo)
Learn the signs of a heart attack. (Heart and Stroke Foundation infographic)

Heart Month: tips to prevent a heart attack

Every year, thousands of Canadians die from heart attacks

  • Feb 19, 2021
Learn the signs of a heart attack. (Heart and Stroke Foundation infographic)
Indigenous Cowichan students have won Irving K. Barber scholarships. (file)

Cowichan students earn Irving K. Barber scholarships

More than 600 Indigenous students in British Columbia will share more than $2.2 million

Indigenous Cowichan students have won Irving K. Barber scholarships. (file)
Grade 7 Students at Queen of Angels school walked up and down Maple Bay and Tzouhalem road picking up garbage to celebrate their annual Catholic Schools Week by doing something good for the community. (Submitted)

Q of A sudents clean up in Duncan to celebrate Catholic Schools Week

Walked up and down Maple Bay and Tzouhalem roads picking up garbage

Grade 7 Students at Queen of Angels school walked up and down Maple Bay and Tzouhalem road picking up garbage to celebrate their annual Catholic Schools Week by doing something good for the community. (Submitted)