Cowichan This Week – the latest news and events

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This week, British Columbia enters Phase 3 of its COVID-19 restart plan, which allows for cautious tourism and travel within the province. 

Also this week, Vancouver Island saw its first confirmed COVID-19 case since early May. Worryingly, the transmission was from an unknown source. It’s a good reminder that continued vigilance remains critical as we carefully expand contacts and activities. 

When it comes to summer fun, that means keeping numbers of close contacts small, practicing distancing and hand washing, and wearing masks as much as possible when distance isn’t easily maintained. It also means respecting communities that are not yet ready to welcome visitors. For example, Ditidaht First Nation’s Windsurf Park and Caycuse River campgrounds will remain closed in an effort to protect the community.

With all the talk of a “second wave” of cases, it’s worth noting that a resurgence of COVID-19 isn’t predestined. It won’t happen unless we create the conditions for the virus to spread. And we’ve already proven we can do what it takes to get outbreaks under control. And that we can resume some of the activities we value, carefully and safely.

News and announcements

• COVID-19 tenting sites for people experiencing homelessness in the region have shown great results, but funding into July has not yet been secured, The Discourse Cowichan reports. 
• The B.C. government has granted $100,000 to the Cowichan Valley Co-Operative Marketplace (Cow-Op), an online farmers’ market, to expand its home delivery program.
• The Downtown Duncan Business Improvement Area Society is planning a food court on Station Street with support from a $10,000 City of Duncan grant, the Cowichan Valley Citizen reports. 
• Crofton’s Queen Street spray park will reopen this weekend. 
• The next phase of the Chemainus Road corridor upgrades will begin mid-July, the Chemainus Valley Courier reports. 
• Most Cowichan businesses have taken major hits as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to survey results released last week. 
• Construction of an expansion to the Ladysmith Healthcare Auxiliary Thrift Store is underway, the Ladysmith Chemainus Chronicle reports.

Community events

• Thursday, June 25: 👷 Join the partners of #CowichanStrong and human resources experts for a virtual chat on finding and keeping employees in a pandemic. 
• Thursday, June 25: 🏗️ The Province of B.C. hosts Building BC’s Recovery, Together, a virtual town hall on economic recovery from COVID-19. 
• Friday, June 26 – Monday, Aug. 3: 🎶 The 39 Days of July festival has cooked up a stellar line-up of performances, to be live-streamed from the Duncan Showroom.
• Saturday, June 27: 💖 The Hope For PTSD Global Initiative Foundation invites you to support the cause by dropping off returnables at Galaxy Motors in Duncan. 
• Sunday, June 28: 🌎 Join the Cowichan Valley Earth Guardians for The Youth Behind the Movement: A Climate Activism Webinar.
• Wednesday, July 1: 🇨🇦 Celebrate Canada Day at home and submit your photos to CVRD Parks and Recreation for a chance to win gift cards and prizes.

What did I miss? Let me know what events are coming up near you by sending me an email.

Photo of the week

A big thanks to Alex Kunert, who shared this beautiful photo of Cowichan Bay. 🙏

Do you have a great photo of life in Cowichan? Send me an email, I’d love to see what this place looks like through your lens.

In your words

Did you miss Jared Qwustenuxun Williams’s latest, the story of the great Chief Tzhouhalem? It’s worth a read! 

“Thanks for sharing the Cowichan Tribes cultural history of Pi’paam,” wrote Chris Istace, on Facebook. 

You’re so welcome. The Discourse Cowichan is lucky to have Qwustenuxun’s writing talents, thanks to your support. [end]