Hi there,

Well, it seems like winter is officially here with the Cowichan Valley getting up to 20 centimetres of snow in some places! I was able to get out on the Cowichan Valley Trail this weekend for a run and it was gorgeous out there. It really reminded me of the first winter storms we would get back in Alberta (however, I’ll take the -8 C over -23 C any day!)

For this week's community photo, I hustled out to take some shots of the snow before it melts — but it seems like we are in for more later this week before the rains return on Monday.

If you have some photos of the snow I would love to see them! You can send them as a reply to this email, or to eric@thediscourse.ca.

Local news and updates.

• The province has extended deferrals for logging old-growth forest in the Fairy Creek watershed. The extension covers the same land that was in the last deferral order from June 2021. This new deferral will extend protections for the Fairy Creek watershed until Sept. 30, 2026 to allow for more discussions between the province and Pacheedaht First Nation.

• Cowichan Green Community announced in a news release that Vanessa Daether will replace Judy Stafford as its new executive director. Daether previously worked with Cowichan Green Community from 2011 to 2016 and has experience working with food security organizations across Canada. Stafford served as executive director of Cowichan Green community for 17 years. Her official retirement is set for May 2025.

• Ladysmith Intermediate School launches its Valentine’s fundraising campaign this month to gather funds to buy new books and classroom resources to help students improve their reading skills. The goal is to raise $30,000, and the school’s parent advisory council has committed to match funds up to $15,000. The Ladysmith Chemainus Chronicle has the story.

• Mayor Rob Douglas says work to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the Cowichan Aquatic Centre is paying off after the building saw a 63 per cent reduction in natural gas use through November and December 2024. He says the reduction is thanks to new direct digital controls that automate building systems such as heating, security and lighting. There has been a total savings of $20,165 from November and December compared to the same months in 2023.

• Ten South Island mayors gathered on the steps of the legislature in Victoria to protest the new 911 dispatch costs that are only being charged to their communities, Chek News reports. North Cowichan Mayor Rob Douglas says the South Island is being unfairly “singled out,” and the Town of Ladysmith has also joined the call for a more fair application of the costs through telecommunications levies.

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Photo of the week.

Duncan and North Cowichan are expected to get more snow tonight through Wednesday with light flurries in the forecast. Photo by Eric Richards/The Discourse.

Community events.

• Wednesday, Feb. 5: 💬 Provincial Seniors Advocate Dan Levitt will be in town for a presentation and Q&A at the Vancouver Island Regional Library Cowichan Branch in Duncan. You’re invited to come learn more about preventing elder abuse, affordable housing advocacy and support for seniors on low income.

• Friday, Feb. 7 and Saturday, Feb. 8: 🍷 Merridale Cidery hosts its first ever Valentine’s Day Sip and Shop Market featuring 12 local artists to help you find the perfect gift for your loved ones. Admission is free but those interested in attending are asked to claim a ticket online ahead of time.

• Saturday, Feb. 8: ❤️ The Crofton Seniors Society invites you to the Heart of Crofton Market, a special Valentine’s event featuring local vendors and sweet treats. It’s a great chance to get a unique gift for your loved ones and support local businesses.

• Sunday, Feb. 9: 🎼 Chemainus Classical Concerts presents “Resonance” featuring Arthur Arnold on cello and Moira Hopfe-Ostensen on piano at St. Michael’s Church in Chemainus. Tickets start at $30 and can be purchased online.

• Thursday, Feb. 13 to 15: 🎭 The Kaatza Lakeside Players present Girls’ Weekend, a comedic farce by Karen Schaeffer at Lake Cowichan Centennial Hall. Tickets for this PG-13 event start at $25 dollars and a special dinner theatre event takes place on Feb. 14.

• Friday, Feb. 14: 🪕 Juno nominated acoustic folk trio The Slocan Ramblers make an appearance at the Cowichan Performing Arts Centre. Tickets start at $38 for adults and $32 for seniors.

• Saturday, Feb 15: ☕ Shawnigan Lake Rotary Eco Club and The Shawnigan Basin Society  are hosting a meet and mingle event to encourage folks to give back. There will be refreshments, crafts and opportunities to help out in the community. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 1760 Shawnigan-Mill Bay Rd. Bring donations and items for the food bank.

• Monday, Feb. 17: ⛸️ This Family Day, the Cowichan Community Centre is the place for free skating! All ages are welcome to dress up as a “tacky tourist” and the best outfit will win a prize. There will be crafts at the Multi Purpose Hall and a visit from the St. John Ambulance Brigade for complimentary training in adult CPR and AED use.

• Monday, Feb: 17: 🛟 Celebrate Family Day in Ladysmith with some nautical fun! The Ladysmith Museum hosts a day of exhibits, entertainment, games and crafts for the whole family.

• Monday, Feb 17: 🎳 Drop in at the Youbou Community Bowling Alley from noon to 3 p.m. for some free bowling to celebrate Family Day! 

• Monday, Feb 17: 🥌 The Cowichan Lake Sports Arena hosts a free public skate and a free try-it session of curling from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. All rentals are free of charge.
  

• Tuesday, Feb 18: 🥕 The Seed Library is back for the 2025 season at the Vancouver Island Regional Library Cowichan Branch. Follow the ladybugs to find heirloom veggie seeds, pollinator friendly wildflower seeds and a new children’s seed library.