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BC HYdro donates pole to museum

BC Hydro donated an old pole to the Kaatza Station Museum after they removed it a few weeks ago and replaced it with a new one
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These sections are what remains of one of the old hydro pole removed two weeks ago from the weir in Lake Cowichan. The pole was donated to the Kaatza Station Museum

Two Wednesdays ago, BC Hydro changed out aging poles near the weir using a helicopter. The hydro company then donated one of the poles to the Kaatza Station Museum.

"One of the hydro workers told me the poles were in place for 64 years," said Barbara Simkins, the museum's curator and manager.

Simkins shared that the idea for the donation came from one of the museum's volunteers.

"He thought, 'well, if they aren't using them, we can," said Simkins.

The 8-foot sections of the donated pole are in surprisingly great condition considering their age. They are slated to replace some of the museum's railway ties, a few of which are starting to deteriorate.

The Kaatza Station Museum details the history of the Town of Lake Cowichan and the surrounding communities. The displays are largely made up of items donated by local families and many of the displays were built by volunteers. This year, in honour of the 70-year history mark, the museum has released a photo book now on sale.

For more information on the museum, visit kaatzamuseum.ca.