Cowichan This Week – The bears are wearing masks now

Welcome to Cowichan This Week, your cheatsheet to what’s up in the Cowichan region. Sign up to get this information in your inbox every Thursday.

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I know we’re all navigating some tough decisions around if and how to expand our social contact and movement as we move into Phase 2 of B.C.’s COVID-19 Restart Plan. So I want to share a few resources I’ve found helpful.

• This article by WBUR has experts break down the risks of different summer activities, and how those risks can be managed.
• Vox has summarized the risks of different types of activities in a chart. 
• This chart by a Vancouver emergency doctor may also be helpful in thinking about managing decisions and risk.

We’re lucky here. Vancouver Island hasn’t seen a new positive COVID-19 test in more than two weeks. That won’t last forever. But if we’re conscientious and careful, we absolutely can prevent a major future outbreak.

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Announcements

• The B.C. government tentatively plans to spray the Lake Cowichan area to treat against gypsy moth infestation on Monday, June 1 and possibly Tuesday, June 2. Spraying is weather dependent and typically takes place between 5 and 7:30 a.m.
• The City of Duncan has moved consultations online regarding design plans for Whistler Street and Station Street.
• Island Health has extended its overdose advisory due to a sustained increase in overdose deaths on Vancouver Island. 
• The Cowichan Valley Regional District has sent water for testing from the Shawnigan Lake North water system after multiple complaints of a metallic taste, a problem that in the past has been linked to algal blooms. 
• Reports of some crimes can now be made online to North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP.
• BC Transit will resume collecting fares on buses on Monday, June 1. 
• Beginning Monday, June 1, the Vancouver Island Regional Library will offer curbside service for books, DVDs and other materials. 
• The Town of Ladysmith’s recreation department will offer online and small outdoor fitness classes beginning Monday, June 1.

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News of the week

• Families face tough decisions as schools prepare to welcome students back on June 1, The Discourse Cowichan reports. 
• Local volunteer group Nourish Cowichan has earned recognition for its efforts feeding local students, My Cowichan Valley Now reports.
• The Town of Ladysmith is moving forward with a plan to clean up a contaminated section of its waterfront, the Ladysmith Chronicle reports. 
• The Municipality of North Cowichan will expedite requests for expanded patio seating at local restaurants, My Cowichan Valley Now reports.

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Community events

• Friday, May 29 – Saturday, May 30: 🖊️ OUR Ecovillage in Shawnigan Lake hosts Spring Writes, a two-day, virtual writing workshop. 
• Saturday, May 30: 🎁 The Cowichan Valley Craft Crawl will go ahead this Saturday online and at locations across the region. 
• Monday, June 1: 🏃‍♀️ Register for the VanIsle460/100 and walk or run the length (or width) of Vancouver Island over the months of June and July. The virtual race is raising funds for the Vancouver Island crisis line. 
• Tuesday, June 2: 👔 The partners of #CowichanStrong invite you to a virtual talk with the CEO of the Tourism Industry Association of BC.

Are you planning something? Send me an email and I’ll try to get it in a future listing.

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Photo of the week

I caught this cheeky, mask-wearing bear at the entrance to the Town of Lake Cowichan. He’s reminding residents to stay six feet “apawt!”

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.

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In your words

“This is an impressive, interesting & thoughtful discussion,” Maggie Carr wrote on Facebook about reporter David Minkow’s story on the tough decisions local families face as they consider sending kids back to school. 

Thank you, Maggie. 🙏 We’re so glad it was helpful! [end]