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Business notes: Cowichan Woodwork Ltd. wins top award millwork project

The latest from the Cowichan business community

Cowichan Woodwork Ltd. in Cobble Hill has been honoured with the top award for the highest quality in a millwork project under $500,000 by the Architectural Woodwork Manufacturers Association of Canada.

This tribute was for the company’s extensive work in Port Hardy completing a Canadian Coast Guard facility.

Cowichan Woodwork is in its third year of membership as an AWMAC certified facility after completing many successful shop and site inspections, as well as considerable training and evaluations for the crafters and administrators involved.

Initially conceived in 1948, the AWMAC warranty system is developed for use by design professionals, building owners, contractors, fabricators, installers, assemblers, project managers and site staff.

The AWMAC system sets a comprehensive set of standards for millwork across North America, and many architects utilize the AWMAC quality control system for their larger commercial projects and government work.

Local owners Gordon Smith, Aaron Olson, and Tyler Craig emphasize that this award is shared with the entire Cowichan Woodwork team, from the designers to the skilled craftspeople, who have collectively contributed to this outstanding achievement.

Furthermore, they would like to thank Kinetic Construction and Chernoff Thompson Architects for selecting their initial bid and giving Cowichan Woodwork this fulfilling opportunity.

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The Big Scoop ice cream parlour at Berkey’s Corner is the first business in B.C. to carry the popular Kawartha Dairy Ice Cream.

Kawartha, which has been in business for almost a century, is based in cottage country in Ontario and The Big Scoop owner Gordon Heppell said customers from all over Vancouver Island have been travelling to the business to buy some of the ice cream since he began carrying the brand last week.

He said Kawartha ice cream has been one of the biggest sellers in Ontario since the 1930s, and The Big Scoop was chosen to be the first store in B.C. to carry the ice cream due to its good reputation and high quality of the ice cream it carries.

“I’ve been blown away by how many people have been coming in the shop since word got out that we’re carrying Kawartha ice cream,” Heppell said.

“People are over the moon about it. I think it’s because of the high cream content in the ice cream that makes it so delicious and popular. It’s great for business.”

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Duncan’s Beautiful Denture Clinic has opened a second location in Chemainus at 101-2592 Legion St.

Administrator Clair Miller-Harder said the new location opened on April 16.

She said the clinic decided to expand to better serve its growing client base in Chemainus, Ladysmith and Salt Spring, Thetis and Penelakut islands.

“The prospect for many of our existing clients, and new ones, of travelling all the way to Duncan is daunting, especially considering the limited public transportation options, so the decision was made to open another location in Chemainus,” Miller-Harder said.

The clinic’s website said it is committed to building you a great denture that not only looks natural, but lasts a long time.

“We have traveled the world to learn new and amazing techniques to give you the latest innovation and technology,” the website said.

“We are very passionate about denturism and are proud to say we have helped over 12,000 people find their smile since 2004.”

The Chemainus clinic is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday.

For more information, call 250-246-1021.

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The 2024 hiring season for Canada Summer Jobs for youth is now officially underway.

Cowichan-Malahat-Langford MP Alistair MacGregor said summer employment has many positive impacts for youth and may improve future employability and earnings.

He said that is why every summer, the NDP works with the government and supports the creation of thousands of jobs for youth through the Canada Summer Jobs program.

“Tens of thousands of new job opportunities for young people between the ages of 15 and 30 are available on the Job Bank website,” he said.

“That includes 146 summer jobs right here in the Cowichan-Malahat-Langford riding. I encourage young people to apply for jobs on jobbank.gc.ca/youth or through the Job Bank mobile app. Visit the website regularly because new jobs will be posted over the coming weeks.”

CSJ prioritizes projects that support youth who face barriers to employment.

This includes youth with disabilities, Indigenous youth, as well as Black and other racialized youth.

“By providing all young people with equitable opportunities to develop their skills, Canada Summer Jobs can help them to succeed in the job market,” MacGregor said.

“So, if you know a young person who is looking for a summer job, let them know about Job Bank and the exciting opportunities that are waiting for them.”

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The next Duncan Cowichan Chamber of Commerce Mix & Mingle event will be hosted by Purely Wellness on May 21 at its location at 101-15 Canada Ave., beginning at 5:30 p.m.

It will be an evening dedicated to health and community connection in the Cowichan Valley.

The free event for chamber members and guests begins with a heartfelt introduction from the Purely Wellness team, who are eager to share their holistic approach to personalized health care.

Guests will have the opportunity to engage with expert practitioners and learn how tailored wellness services can meet their individual health needs.

The event features a selection of nutritious snacks, including fresh fruits, crisp vegetables, and assorted cheeses, complemented by a variety of wholesome beverages such as herbal teas, artisanal coffees, and fresh juices.

Attendees can also enjoy exclusive discounts available only during the event and have the chance to win invigorating door prizes.

This Mix & Mingle provides the perfect environment for exploring new health strategies, meeting like-minded wellness enthusiasts, and deepening connections within the community’s health and wellness sphere.

Register online, call 250-748-1111 or email chamber@duncancc.bc.ca.