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What issues are on your mind following the recent federal election announcement? Tell us in our survey linked below! We'll use your responses to guide our reporting on the election and ask candidates any questions you may have.

On a more local note, keep an eye out for our coverage of the North Cowichan byelection and be sure to stop by the all-candidates meeting Saturday, March 29, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Duncan Curling Club on Sherman Road. While it may not be as glamorous as the federal election, many conversations and decisions that impact our daily lives happen in local government. Meetings like these are a great way to get to know candidates and share your questions or concerns.

Local news and updates.

• Members of Cowichan Tribes, the Nature Trust of BC and the UBC Indigenous Ecology Lab toured the Quw'utsun Estuary Food System Revitalization Project site in Cowichan Bay. The project aims to restore an old hayfield along the Cowichan Estuary, turning it into a thriving food ecosystem using Indigenous food and medicinal plants. The 17 acres of nursery will be named Hulitun Spulhxun/Tumuhw (Nurturing Fields). Chief Cindy Daniels told the CBC the nursery will serve as a place for youth to learn about traditional food and gardening practices.

• The Town of Lake Cowichan has agreed to explore a bylaw to prohibit the sale of harmful sunscreen in town. Counc. Aaron Frisby introduced the motion at the March 11 Committee of the Whole Meeting, directing staff to research the legality of a bylaw that bans the sale of all sunscreens that are not non-nano mineral sunscreens. He added the town has already received support for the ban from local retailers.

• Harvest House Food Bank in Chemainus reports demand for services are at an all time high with no signs of slowing down, according to the Cowichan Valley Citizen.<> Food bank coordinators say the number of households they serve in Chemainus has almost doubled in the past two and a half years which is not far off numbers at other food banks in the Valley. 

• A meeting between the union representing transit workers in the Cowichan Valley and a mediator is scheduled for the end of this week and next month. Workers told the Cowichan Valley Citizen they were happy to return to the bargaining table. The union is also asking members of the public to contact mayors in the Cowichan Valley to call for a fair deal and an end to the strike.

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Photo of the week.

Representatives from Cowichan Tribes, Lulumexun, The Nature Trust of BC and the UBC Indigenous Ecology Lab stand on the site of a nursery that will soon be home to 17 acres of Indigenous food and medicinal plants. Photo Courtesy of The Nature Trust of British Columbia.

Community events.

• Friday, March 28 to Sunday, March 30: 📽️ Check out a selection of thought-provoking and groundbreaking films at the 2025 Cowichan Valley Documentary Film Festival. The three-day event featuring documentaries that explore social and environmental topics kicks off with the screening of An Unfinished Journey. Tickets start at $8.

• Friday, March 28 to April 7: 🖌️ Cowichan Valley Arts Council presents An Eclectic Mix from a Group of Six showcasing works from six local artists who have been painting together for years. The group’s work explores a wide range of techniques, styles, mediums and subject matter. Come meet the artists on opening night!

• Saturday, March 29: 🎸 Rock band Zenith will make a stop at The Duncan Showroom, bringing its electrifying energy to the Cowichan Valley. Tickets start at $15.

• Saturday, March 29: 🧑‍🎨 Looking for some unique gifts? Head over to the Kaatza Station Museum Art & Craft Sale in the Bell Tower School at Lake Cowichan to meet local makers and artisans. Doors open at 10 a.m.

• Saturday, March 29: 🫶 Drop off your bottles and support a good cause at Island Return It in Duncan. The Cowichan Valley Branch of Special Olympics BC will be collecting bottles from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. to raise money to send athletes and coaches to the 2025 Provincials in Prince George.

• Monday March 31: 🏳️‍⚧️ Honour Transgender Day of Visibility with a series of talks by specialists focusing on scholarly analysis, illuminating the biological, cultural and legal dimensions of the transgender existence. Attend in person at the Hub at Cowichan Station or online through Zoom, tickets are available online for $11.

• Wednesday, April 2 to 23: 🖼️ Natural Elements<> opens at the Ladysmith Gallery featuring works that explore our connection to the natural world! Doors open at 10 a.m. and admission is free for everyone.

• Friday, April 4: 🐔 FARMLY Fridays returns to Providence Farm. Get outside, learn new skills and make new friends at this volunteer group which guides participants through hands-on farming tasks like gardening, landscaping, weeding, pruning and planting. Contact Sarah at communityrelations@providence.bc.ca to sign up. 

• Saturday, April 5: 🎉 Celebrate the era of dial-up internet, beanie babies and flannel shirts with Ladysmith Pride Society’s 90s Baby! dance. Listen to your favourite hits from the era and take a picture at the 90s themed photo station all while supporting the Ladysmith Secondary School Gender and Sexuality Alliance club. Tickets start at $25 for non-eagles members.

• Saturday, April 5: 🐰 Stop by the Honeymoon Bay Outdoor Market for handcrafted treasures, fresh baked goods and so much more! Support local makers and find that perfect gift for you or someone special. Market opens at 10 a.m. at the Honeymoon Bay Community Hall.

• Thursday, April 10: 🎤 Queen Margaret’s School presents Mamma Mia! the classic tale of love, family and self-discovery at the Cowichan Performing Arts Centre. Come see senior students from QMS bring the show to life! Tickets start at $15 dollars for students and $30 for adults.