Hi there,

Three years ago, before moving to the Island, I decided to Google Duncan and the first thing that came up as a result was its year-round farmers’ market. Being from Alberta, it was a bit shocking to hear that a market would run outside in the dead of winter! But I can see why it was one of the first search results I came across —  every weekend, even on the cold ones, the market is a hub of activity that fills downtown Duncan.

Since it’s such a staple in the community, I wanted to take a moment to highlight that the Duncan Farmers’ Market turns 110 years old this year, and I’m excited to share more about it in an upcoming story this week! Stay tuned for that, and continue to scroll through this newsletter for more local news and events.

Local news and updates.

• Roughly 6,500 people in Lake Cowichan and the surrounding area will be without a family doctor come June 2025, Chek News reports. The only two doctors in the West Cowichan region announced that they will close their practices, with one moving away and the other retiring in June.

• The Town of Ladysmith has announced Russ Barling, Deena Beeston, Raymon Travis Farmere, Joe Friesenhan, Tee Hanssen and Murray McNab will run for mayor in the upcoming by-election on March 1. General voting takes place on March 1 starting at 8 a.m. at the Frank Jameson Community Centre and advanced voting will take place Feb. 19 and 26 at Ladysmith City Hall from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

• The Duncan Farmers’ Market has been nominated for a cultural impact award by the BC Association of Farmers’ Markets. The award recognizes markets that are “exemplary in adding value to their community and connecting local food, farmer and artisans vendors to consumers”. The market, which is celebrating its 110th year, was nominated alongside the New West Farmers’ Market and the Skeena Valley Farmers’ Market.

• Two abandoned boats have been removed from Kin Beach in Chemainus after Transport Canada was unable to find the owners, the Cowichan Valley Citizen reports. The Canadian Coast Guard says both boats did not pose any hazard to navigation in the surrounding waters and referred the case to Transport Canada which handles the removal and disposal of abandoned vessels.

• Cowichan Valley transit workers say their employer has not scheduled any bargaining meetings, despite a threat to strike on Feb. 8, Chek News Reports. Unifor locals 333BC and 114 gave Transdev — the company contracted to operate transit in the Cowichan Valley — notice that 52 workers will start picketing on Feb. 8 if no deal is reached.

• Ten mayors from the South Island — including North Cowichan Mayor Rob Douglas and Duncan Mayor Michelle Staples — signed an open letter to Minister of Public Safety Garry Begg asking the province to continue paying for police dispatching costs. On April 1, Duncan and North Cowichan will begin paying the total cost for police and 911 dispatch services which were previously covered by the federal and provincial governments. The letter asks the province to continue funding dispatch services and introduce a telecommunications levy to offset 911 costs.

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Photo of the week.

The Duncan Farmers’ Market plans to hold a celebration to commemorate 110 years of operation in June, according to executive director Janice Roberts. Photo courtesy of the Duncan Farmers’ Market.

Community events.

• Wednesday, Jan. 29 to Wednesday, Feb. 19: 📸 The Ladysmith Gallery invites you to step into a world where form and light collide at its sculpture and photography art show. Doors open at 10 a.m. 

• Friday, Jan. 31: 🐐 Young Farmers Day kicks off the Islands Agriculture Show at the Cowichan Exhibition Park. Kids can learn more about agriculture through interactive booths and stations.

• Friday, Jan. 31: ⛸️ Head over to Fuller Lake Arena for a rock and roll Neon Teen Skate Night. Admission is $2 and includes rentals, a slice of pizza and entry to win some prizes!  

• Saturday, Feb. 1: 🪕 Wayne Montgomery and his band pays tribute to Garth Brooks with a night of delicious food and rocking country music. Tickets start at $30.

• Wednesday, Feb. 5: 🖼️ Cowichan Valley Arts Council hosts Toti: A Selection of Paintings & Etchings. Experience the work of Toti, a Canadian artist famous for her work depicting moments in everyday life.

• 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.