On Aug. 29, the Island Coastal Economic Trust announced funding of $126, 500 to be put towards the Renfrew Town Square project. This town square will be located between Renfrew Street and South Shore Road, situated between the soon to be built library and the existing Forest Workers’ Memorial Park.
The Province of British Columbia established ICET in 2006 and provided a $50 million endowment that is managed by an independent Board of Directors. The board’s mandate is to make strategic investments in economic development. The objective of this particular project is to enhance the economic opportunities for the Town of Lake Cowichan through revitalization of the downtown core.
An ad hoc committee made of interested citizens, business owners and Councillor McGonigle, assisted Lanarc Consultants in coming up with a conceptual design for the town square.
Thank you to the many local businesses who submitted letters of support for this project and assisted us in securing the funding. Work should commence on the project shortly after completion of our new library. Tenders are out now on the library so construction should follow shortly after the tender closing date of Oct. 2. Architectural design for the proposed library and conceptual drawings of the town square are available for perusal at the town office for anyone who is interested.
Paving tenders have been submitted and paving of South Shore Road should be completed by around the end of October. Thank you once again for everyone’s patience regarding the construction of this large project.
It was a pleasure for council to attend our fire department’s monthly business meeting to help honor fireman, Gary Demings, for 30 years of service. It takes a great amount of dedication to be a fireman, responding to calls at all times of the day to protect our citizens and their properties. Thirty years is an outstanding achievement of which Gary should be proud. On behalf of the Town, thank you Gary for your commitment to serving and protecting Lake Cowichan and area.
The Great Lake Walk completed their eleventh year and received many well-deserved accolades. A beautiful sunny day was the icing on the cake for detailed work that goes into making this a special event. It takes almost as many volunteers as participants to make this event run as smooth as it does. Hats off to each and every volunteer for the role you play in introducing so many people to our community.
Another event that seems to be growing and bringing people into our community is Nedfest. This music festival started on a small scale four years ago and its popularity continues to grow. Congratulations and continued success as events like this play an important role in growing community spirit and showcasing the many talents around us.