Lake Cowichan Gazette, December 16, 2015

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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2015 | VOL. 19, NO. 50 | $1 + GST | www.lakecowichangazette.com

Power cut: More than 1,000 out after trees fall on Youbou Road

Seniors care: Town starts campaign for seniors care home

Take a hike: Rushing water, great views greet Retreads

PAGE 2 PAGE 6 PAGE 12

The remains of the utility pole outside of Country Grocer lie splintered on the ground last Thursday, Dec. 10. This pole and one other in downtown Lake Cowichan were damaged by a truck hauling a over-height through the community. BC Hydro took many calls about the damaged lines, but the poles were for other utilities, not hydro.[MALCOLM CHALMERS PHOTO]

SARAH SIMPSON GAZETTE

A truck with an over-height load took out at least two utility poles Thursday in Lake Cowichan.

One pole was outside Country Grocer and the other by the high school, confirmed public works superintendent Nagi Rizk.

BC Hydro spokesperson Karla Lowers said there were no

power outages as a result of the incident.

“Although we did receive calls, it wasn’t actually our lines that were damaged, it was Telus or other utilities that were brought down with it,” she said.

“It was a truck with an over-height load.”

Lake Cowichan RCMP spokes-person Sgt. Wes Olson said police

were involved.“A member did deal with it,”

Olson said. “I’m sure we located the truck

and the member investigated and dealt with the driver.”

Rizk said six to eight utility trucks were out to fix the damage caused by what’s believed to be a logging truck, on Thursday.

He figures that if it wasn’t BC

Hydro, it was Telus and/or Shaw services that could have possibly been affected.

While it has been a busy day for private utility crews with the storms, Rizk said his public works crews have also been kept busy with flooding around the town. Saywell park was several feet deep in water.

“People on river fronts, of

course, the water is getting high, they’re getting anxious,” he said, adding they’ve got a policy on sandbags and under certain cir-cumstances they give them out.

Water has been inching close to Jakes at the Lake and spot flood-ing can be found in various loca-tions including Saywell Park and at the corner of Pine and Cowic-han East.

Truck takes out town utility poles

2 Wednesday, December 16, 2015 | THE LAKE COWICHAN GAZETTE | www.lakecowichangazette.com

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A division of

Two falling trees took down all of the utility lines on Youbou Road around 3 a.m. Thursday morning. Hydro crews worked through the day and had power restored before 3 p.m. that afternoon. [MALCOLM CHALMERS PHOTO]


A large Fir tree fell onto wires in the Youbou area during the storm early Thursday morning, causing nearly 1,100 customers to be without power for close to 12 hours.

The tree came down and knocked out 10 spans of line around 3:30 a.m.

BC Hydro spokesperson Karla Lowers said it was the first of many callouts Thursday for crews to clear trees and repair lines.

The Youbou outage lasted until about 3:15 p.m.

“There was a lot of work that needed to happen before crews could restore power,” she said, explaining the lengthy delay.

Lowers said both tree crews and line crews responded to clean up the mess.

“They needed to make signifi-cant repairs. Several cross arms were damaged in the event,” she said. “Poles needed to be straight-ened, no poles were broken. As soon as they were able to power was restored to those customers.

At it’s peak, about 8,000 Hydro customers in the Cowichan Val-ley were affected by the storm. Most had their power restored by 4 p.m. but some weren’t back on until around midnight.

Lowers also related that Hydro crews are seeing an increase of “helpers” at tree-on-line calls that arrive before official crews and clear the trees away for firewood.

“It’s an increasing trend that

when our crews respond to trouble calls, somebody’s got-ten there in advance of us and cleared the area,” she said, add-ing it’s a very bad idea.

Lowers said downed power lines don’t always act like they are live, they don’t always spark and they aren’t always on fire.

People should treat them like they are live just to be on the safe side.

“We are hoping to get out a pro-active message of safety rather than a reactive message of con-dolence,” she said.

People should stay back at least 10 metres and call police at 9-1-1 if they witness people clearing trees for firewood. “We are really try-ing to get that message out before something bad happens.”

Power cut to more than 1,000

www.lakecowichangazette.com | THE LAKE COWICHAN GAZETTE | Wednesday, December 16, 2015 3

FAITHDIRECTORY

BAPTISTCowichan LakeBaptist Church8259 Beaver Road

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Mass Sunday 9:00 a.m.

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Lake Cowichan town councillor Bob Day has been elected as vice-chair of the Cowichan Valley Regional District.

Day beat out the only other nominee, Kerry Davis, the director for Area A (Malahat/Mil Bay) by a 10 to four vote for the role as second in command to re-elected chair Jon Lefebure, North Cowichan’s mayor.

Although he just completed his first year as a CVRD director, Day has no shortage of political experience.

“I’ve been seven years an elected offi-cial for the Town of Lake Cowichan and six years as the alternate director at the CVRD so I am familiar with the processes here at this table,” he told the board. “I consider myself very for-tunate to have sat here for the last year and been a part of the process of change that I’ve witnessed. I feel proud of a lot of the decisions we’ve made... proud of the decisions we’ve made for our region and moving it forward.”

Day said he believes the board is work-ing well toward making the types of changes the public has been asking for over the years.

“I think we’ve created a pathway for a better life for all of the citizens in every corner of the region,” he said.

The vice-chair also said he would proudly support Lefebure and do his best to fill in for him when he’s not avail-able to attend functions, meetings, and events.

“Most importantly, I will be a cham-pion of the CVRD and all of the deci-sions that we make in the community,” he said, noting that when a decision is

made at the table, he believes it’s up to all directors to support that decision in their respective communities.

He went on to note two things he will focus on during his year as vice-chair.

“I am passionate, very passionate about good process,” he said. “I’m pas-sionate for the environment and that’s pretty much what my biggest passion in life is.”

In the run for chair, it came down to a three-man race for the title of board chair.

Joining Lefebure on the ballot were Area I (Youbou/Meade Creek) director Klaus Kuhn, and Area F (Cowichan Lake South/Skutz Falls) director Ian Morrison.

“It doesn’t matter how we see our-selves. What is important is how the pub-lic sees us and more important, how the public perceives us and I think there’s a

big gap between how we see ourselves and how that public sees us,” he said. “There’s a gap because we haven’t done the proper job to educate the public or to be in contact with the public or to further the public in any decisions that were faced. So what happened is a kind of credibility gap and we are fighting that gap and we are in the defensive and we’ve been in the defensive on the board for much too long as much as I can see.”

Morrison’s reasons for running, he said, fell somewhere in between Lefe-bure and Kuhn.

He wanted to see a more cohesive board, improved community engage-ment, less talk and more action on sub-stantive change, and an enhanced role for what he sees as the under-utilization of the vice chair.

“You’ve seen that I’m willing to look at new ideas. You know I always come prepared. You know I understand the organization and the staff and the role,” Morrison said. “So I’m willing to be a full time chair; as chair the door will always be open. As chair my phone will always be on so I respectfully ask you for your support and your vote.”

When the dust settled, the first vote had Lefebure on top with six votes and Kuhn and Morrison with four each. But eight votes are required to win so after a tiebreaker pitting Kuhn against Morri-son, Morrison came out on top. He then faced off against Lefebure in the final round.

Lefebure ultimately won by a 10 to four score.

It was all or nothing for Morrison, how-ever as he was later nominated for vice chair but declined the nomination.

Day elected CVRD board vice chair

New CVRD board vice chair Bob Day.

KEVIN ROTHBAUER GAZETTE

Just days after starting their new lives in Canada, the first refugees from the Syrian Civil War to arrive in the Cowic-han Valley admitted they felt frightened about what was ahead of them — until they met their sponsors from the Mill Bay Baptist Fellowship.

“She felt safe in those three days,” interpreter Jihan Abou El Arab said, translating the words of 29-year-old refugee Faten Dekhan. “She felt the dif-ference from where she was before.”

Dekhan arrived in the Cowichan Val-ley on Dec. 7 along with her 58-year-old mother, Aisha Jafar, and her nine-year-old son, Mohammed Alnaddaf. The Mill Bay Baptist Fellowship is sponsoring the family for their first year in Canada.

They used to call Homs, Syria, home. When the war reached Homs, they left for the capital city, Damascus. When the war reached Damascus, they moved to a small village between Damascus and the border with Lebanon. Finally, they fled across the border into Lebanon, and spent the last two years living with Dekhan’s brother in Beirut.

“So basically, they ran from one spot to another spot into Lebanon,” Abou El Arab said.

Both women are widows: Jafar’s husband died of a heart attack, and Dekhan’s husband was killed in bomb-ings during the war. They have arrived in Canada with only each other. Virtual-ly all their possessions were left behind.

“Everything is gone,” Abou El Arab said. “Absolutely gone. They basically came with their clothing and her wed-ding ring, and everything else is gone.”

When they began the process of leav-ing Lebanon as refugees a year ago, the UN agency they were working with said there were several countries they could have ended up in: Canada, Aus-tralia, Sweden, Netherlands. They didn’t choose Canada, but happened to fit all the criteria that Canada was looking for. Canada’s commitment to welcome 25,000 refugees provided more open spots than the other countries had, as well.

“All the rules Canada put to adopt refu-gees, they fit everything,” Abou El Arab related.

Mohammed, who would have been starting Grade 1 in Syria before his

family left, was a top student in Lebanon. His favourite subject is science, and he is also looking forward to starting piano lessons and soccer. There are few con-cerns that he will keep up with other students his age once he gets started in school.

“I think Mohammed is a very bright boy and he will catch up very fast with the language,” Abou El Arab said.

Dekhan, who has some training in nursing, is hoping to further her educa-tion in Canada, while also adjusting to a new home.

“She’s hoping the community will accept that and adopt them as one of them,” Abou El Arab said. “She is hoping she will be adopted by the culture here, and she is actually wishing she will be part of this community.”

Refugees arrive in Cowichan

Refugees Aisha Jafar, Faten Dekhan and Mohammed Alnaddaf. [KEVIN ROTHBAUER/GAZETTE]


Caycuse • Honeymoon Bay • Lake Cowichan • Mesachie Lake • Youbou

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Email your thoughts to [email protected] or fax it to us at 250-749-4385OPINION

Got a news tip? Email us at: [email protected]

Most of us have already been out and about starting our Christmas shopping.

Whether its stocking up on groceries in anticipation of a busy holiday feasting season, or heading to the shops to nd that perfect gift for someone special, many of us take for granted that we will be able to at least have something to make the holidays special.

But for a startling number of Cowichan Valley residents, Christmas will only be merry and bright with a little help from those of us who are more fortunate in our nances.

We all know, and countless Christmas stories from Dr. Seuss’s How The Grinch Stole Christmas to The Gift of the Magi by O. Henry tell us, that getting stuff for the holidays isn’t what gives the season its magic. By far the best gifts are being with the people we love and counting our blessings.

When we consider the plight of people in other parts of the world, such as the Syrian refugees escaping terrible violence, we all have much to be thankful for, even if we don’t have a lot of material things.

But there’s no doubt that some of us have an easier time at the holidays than others due to our bank balance. We can make sure that the people we love know we are thinking of them by putting something under the tree.

So now, as we hit the stores for our own holiday wants, it’s a good time to make a little extra effort and shell out a few extra dollars to help out someone else in our community.

There are plenty of ways to do so. The Salvation Army is out in force with its annual Kettle Campaign. There are numerous fund and food raisers for local food banks to which you can contribute.

The RCMP are going to be cramming a cruiser or two with toys for kids who otherwise might not have anything to unwrap on Christmas morning. There are angel trees in various locations where you can pull a brief description of a child for whom to buy a gift. And there’s Cowichan Neighbourhood House’s annual Adopt-A-Family program that’s looking for donors.

It’s a worthwhile something to add to your Christmas list. And it will make you feel good, too.

If you can, reach out a helping hand this holiday

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! Letters to the editor are welcome, but writers are requested to keep their submissions to 350 words or less. Keep it local — letters raised in response to issues raised in our pages get top priority. Letters will be edited for clarity, grammar, length — attack the issue, not the individual. All letters must contain the name, address and signature of the writer, and a phone number where they may be reached during business hours. Thank you letters will not normally be considered for publication. [email protected]

Letters to the editor: YOUR SAY

Lack of consultation for Sunfest opponents

Re: SunfestAre Town of Lake Cowichan

residents aware that there has been no economic study done on their behalf that substantiates that there would be any more that short term benefit to the community from mass events such as Sunfest? In fact, there are studies from similar events that show that the projected benefits are “inflated” and short-term, and that it is the community that will pick up the costs when thousands of people show up and put stress on town services and infrastructure.

Maybe residents were made aware of this through com-

munity consultation, before the mayor began pushing this pro-posal, a proposal that will see 15,000 people and at least 5,000 vehicles descending on a site at Meade Creek for four days, over the already busy August long weekend.

Actually, you didn’t miss the consultation, there wasn’t one. The mayor didn’t think he needed to have one. There was, however, a meeting for Sunfest supporters. And, there was an invitation for letters of support, on the Chamber of Commerce website. Those folks who have concerns or questions, or who do not support this, were not invited.

Mayor Forrest bases his very open support of this project on

the findings in the proponent’s report, and from his experience from Lake Cowichan Apollos’ events. The proponent will def-initely benefit from this event, in spades! So, why wouldn’t the mayor trust this report? The Apollos’ events were fine, but they certainly did not bring the mass of humanity that Sunfest will. So, where is the relevance?

Any of the residents of the town or in the immediate area who may have very serious con-cerns, you should know that the mayor expects you to, “get your head out of the sand”, and, “put up with a little inconvenience”, so the party can go on.

Diana GundersonLake Cowichan


Street Beat With Malcolm Chalmers

The Gazette asked:

What is your favourite part of Christmas?

Letters to the editor

Aisha Coglan“Family! We just bought

a house here and they will all be coming to visit this year.”

Cam Mackie“Christmas dinner; tur-

key and all the fixings.”

Jerri Vertefeuille“That is an easy one,

everyone coming home to visit.”

Phil Birosh“My favourite part is get-

ting together with family. I go and visit with them on the mainland and in Victoria.”

Mel Cole“My favourite part of

Christmas, seeing people happy, I guess.”

Tom Fletcher talks carbon tax, government ads with Christy Clark

Premier Christy Clark sat down with Tom Fletcher for a year-end interview at her Victoria office Dec. 9. Here are excerpts. For the full version, see the Opinion tab at www.lakeco-wichangazette.com

TF: At the UN climate con-ference in Paris, did you speak about natural gas

as a transition fuel, and did you find support for that idea?

PCC: Yes and yes. The new government in Ottawa is a big supporter of our LNG plan, and part of the reason for that is that they also see it as a way forward for Canada to make a huge contribution to fighting global climate change.

There are 150 coal plants on the books in China today. The only way that those plants and the ones that come after will be stopped is if they have a transi-tional fuel to move to.

TF: B.C.’s 2020 greenhouse gas target, reduction of emissions by a third, is another target that isn’t going to be met. Why?

PCC: When the government brought in the carbon tax, it was based on the assumption that other jurisdictions around us were going to eventually catch up. None of them have. There comes a point where the carbon tax can only get so high before we start chasing all those jobs out of the province.

TF: Your advisory committee says the carbon tax needs to go higher starting in 2018 if it’s going to have an effect. Do you have any other choice?

PCC: Let’s figure out what the national goal is going to be, which we don’t know yet.

TF: On a related topic, transit spending. Your new minister Peter Fassbender has talked about a “new day” in Ottawa and he’s downplaying the idea of another referendum for new funding sources. Is that off the table now?

PCC: It may be possible that the federal government wants to invest more in transit, and take up some of the slack from the local government level.

TF: On LNG, oil and natural gas prices continue to go down, and supply continues to go up around the world. Did you see any positive signs this year?

PCC: What I saw this year was developing countries, especially China, making a firm commit-ment to reduce their emissions. The only way for them to do that is to move to a greater degree to natural gas, and the

bulk of their industry is still located on the east coast of their country, a long way from Russia and close to B.C.

TF: Are we going to see some policy action on high housing costs in 2016, and will there be some relief from the property transfer tax?

PCC: You’ll see in the Febru-ary budget, but we are looking for ways to provide some relief for home buyers.

TF: We’re starting to see gov-ernment advertising ramp up. We saw a lot of Jobs Plan adver-tising before the 2013 election, we saw the federal government do it with their Economic Action Plan, which was very expensive, and to most people’s eye self-serving or political in nature at taxpayers’ expense. Is that what we’re going to see in the next year and a half?

PCC: It won’t be political. I think some of that was, really, political. You will see more information-based advertising out there, talking to people about for example, the Regis-tered Education Savings Plan.

TF: Not Jobs Plan 2.0?PCC: I don’t think that’s in the

plan. I wish I could say to you no, never, but I, you know….

Tom Fletcher is legislature reporter and columnist for Black Press. Email: [email protected] Twitter: @tomfletcherbc

BC ViewsBy Tom Fletcher

A holiday message to men in the community

I am sending this message today as a reminder that we are heading into a time of year that often causes old hurts to sur-face. It is very common for men to choose to isolate and not ask for help.

I am asking you to consider reaching out to local organiza-tions such as churches, mental health, etc. for their support.

This is also a time of year where holiday cheer is shared. I would invite you to consider the

impacts of excessive alcohol and food on your health and well being. I would invite you to con-nect with family and friends and to enjoy the special moments near a warm fire — sharing stor-ies, etc. Please remember that how you treat yourself is how you treat others. So be gentle and look for the simple joyful moments. Take care of yourself! All the best of the season! Here’s to a healthy, happy, and prosper-ous 2016!

Grant M. Waldman West Coast Men’s Support Society

Price of oil versus price of gas a mystery

Now that the price of crude oil has hit a new low of under $40 per barrel and we are still paying over $1.10 per litre, it seems to me that even normally apathetic people would start to realize that the price gouging for gas has hit levels we have never seen.

I understand that our govern-ments are quite happy to see the consumer abuse as they collect their tax as a percentage, but what I don’t understand is why the oil companies are so loudly complaining that low crude prices are hurting their profitability. We are still pay-ing roughly the same for gas as when oil was over $100 per barrel, so somebody is making a lot of money. I guess a logical questions would be, if the oil companies are not benefiting from the high price of gas, then

where is all this money going?I realize the price of crude

oil is strictly an arbitrary and artificial number not based on any solid facts, but what really makes me angry is that when crude prices jump the price of gas follows closely, but when they bottom out this relation-ship disappears.

I have tried to get some explan-ation as to how the connection between crude prices and what we pay at the pump works. I have written letters to various government agencies and MPs but have never received a satis-factory answer. It seems that no one understands this ratio or doesn’t want to talk about it.

If anyone has any information or insight on this issues, per-haps you could write a letter to this paper. I’m sure it would be of interest to many people.

K. BeaumontDuncan

Rights of the Child is not old stuff

Further to the Convention of the Rights of the Child. One person told me they started to read the article and then thought it was old stuff. Well it is current and was ratified in Canada on Dec. 13, 1991 and

became law here Jan. 12, 1992. Until it is publicized by gov-

ernments and incorporated into educational systems it remains in the dark. Once widely known it will be a basis to develop children’s respons-ibility as to what is expected from them. With rights always comes responsibilities. Those

who are against the 54 articles likely have never read them.

On Nov. 20, 1990 it was adopt-ed by UN General Assembly. Access to the government’s actual wording is one long winded link.

John A. McDonaldDuncan

Thanks for dinnerTo our unknown benefactor: a

sincere thank you.On Thursday, Dec. 3, I took my

mother out for dinner at the Dog House Restaurant on her 94th

birthday. Upon asking for the bill, we were informed that the gentleman sitting behind me had paid for it when he left.

Wayne GillDuncan


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Name: Cindy OlsonOccupation: teacher at LCSHometown: Lake CowichanI’ve always wanted to: travel to EuropeFavourite food: sushiBest thing about living here: the kids I teach and their familiesFavourite activity: hikingProudest moment: my adult children How do you define downtime: sitting on the couch with my dog, a beverage and a fireI wish I was better at: my athletic abilityIf I was stuck on a desert island I would definitely need: my husbandMy guiltiest pleasure is: wine and chocolateMy go-to wardrobe staple: high boots

Cindy Olson

COWICHAN LAKE

Smile FILEWith Malcolm Chalmers

LEXI BAINAS GAZETTE

M a y o r R o s s F o r r e s t announced Thursday that the Town of Lake Cowichan is ready to start a push for a resi-dential care home.

“Now that the study has been done and our Age-Friendly Plan is complete, it is time to begin the process of obtaining an extended care facility for Lake Cowichan,” he said, in a notice posted Dec. 10.

“We know there has been a want in our community for some time and the Age-Friend-ly Plan contains a great amount of information and facts identi-fying the need,” he said. “We now have the information to help us persuade the necessary partners required to assist in our efforts.”

So, on Monday, Jan. 4, at the municipal hall, the town will be holding a meeting to discuss the next steps towards proceeding.

“Forming an active commit-tee will be a necessary require-ment. It is crucial that our entire community involve them-selves in some capacity to take on this challenge. Strong com-munity support will achieve success,” Forrest said, urging

attendance at this, the opening session.

“Please come out so we can identify the best possible people to assist in accomplishing our

goal of a first class facility. We know there are some excellent people in our community who can add great value to this endeavour,” he said.

Town starts campaign for seniors care home

Mayor Ross Forrest announced that the town is ready to start fighting to get a seniors care facility for Lake Cowichan. [LEXI BAINAS/CITIZEN]

LAKE Cowichan briefs

Disagreement over new ‘Wye Entrance’

Ideas are still being kicked around to remake the so-called “Wye Entrance” to Lake Cow-ichan where Highway 18 meets Youbou Road.

The present wooden sign is rapidly deteriorating and must be replaced and the town’s advisory planning council is looking at what might be put up instead.

Ross Fitzgerald, APC chair, told a recent town meeting that he’s hoping to get the ideas costed out and ready for pres-entation to council in January. The idea is to get the project done by summer.

Some suggestions put forward show a modern-looking sign, while other people are calling for something more rustic. Still others want to see something that would include reference to Lake Cowichan’s First Nation or something that would offer the chance to welcome visitors to specific events.

Finally, there have also been protests that taking the listing of all the area’s communities off the sign would change its focus but councillors have replied that the project is being paid for by the Town of Lake Cowichan and that the town should be top priority in the project.

Space a challenge for sidewalks, bike lanes

Work is expected to start before long on sidewalks along at least part of North Shore Road.

Town of Lake Cowichan works superintendent Nagy Rizk said it is not likely that sidewalks can be built on both sides of the street because, in some areas, the hill rises too steeply to allow room.

Mayor Ross Forrest asked if there was enough room to allow for a bicycle lane adjacent to the sidewalk but Rizk said it would have to be considered carefully.

“You could hit dead ends along some parts and the cyc-list would have no place to go. To properly isolate it, you’d almost need to add another lane,” he said.

Forrest persisted.“Could we, at a later date, have

enough space on the other side? I’m thinking of the future.”

Rizk said it would only be pos-sible if the road were actually widened. “There’s not enough shoulder now,” he said.

Town CAO Joe Fernandez add-ed, “We should look at getting sidewalks in. That is now an important connector. But we do need to look at it long term, to tie it into whatever we are doing here [along South Shore Road by the town office.]

Slippery surface likely closing Saywell dock

There will probably be no access to the Saywell Park docks during the winter.

“We need to seriously look at closing the dock because it’s slippery and you can’t put salt or sand on it,” said Lake Cow-ichan town works superintend-ent Nagy Rizk at a recent public works committee meeting.

“I’m just worried about people slipping. If you see it’s closed, you’ll know why.”

Lexi Bainas, Citizen

Town CAP Joe Fernandez


145 South Shore Rd.Lake Cowichan

250.749.6660www.lkc.ca

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This lot is ideally suited to build your dream home in charming Mesachie Lake. The � at lot is close to swimming, gol� ng, hiking and camping. The lot includes a car port and a newer 200 sq ft shed which is wired, plumbed including a bathroom and insulated. The lot is fully fenced & has mature trees adding to the tranquility and privacy you will feel. Call to view today!

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196 Neva $299,999

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HUGE SHOP

87 Park $325,000

This 3 or 4 bedroom home radiates hospitality & charm from the marble & Boeing bathtub to the vaulted ceilings. The living room has a cozy terra cotta � replace and downstairs is a cold room for your wine or preserves. The home boasts unique tiles, intercom system, built in vacuum and fully � nished detached workshop with over height double carport for your RV or Boat

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Want to sell yourhome?

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You can see for miles & miles on this spectacular south facing 0.28 acre lot. Located high on the hill in the “Cottages at Marble Bay”. There are panoramic views of the mountains, beautiful Cowichan Lake & Honeymoon Bay! There is lake access with wharfs and beach front. They don’t come any better than this so make this your weekend destination get-a-way or for full time living!

SPECTACULAR VIEWS

$575,000

Sunny Youbou waterfront on .29 acre The main home has 3 bedroom & 2 bathrooms, beautiful birch � oors and an open plan kitchen / living roomdesign. There is a 2nd residence with 2 bed/1 bath which is currently being rented. Why not own a piece of paradise?

10552 Coon Creek

WATERFRONT3105 Laurel Grove $329,900

This 1528 sq ft level entry home offers 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, spacious interior with huge kitchen, attached dining area and family room. The master is large and includes a en-suite and walk in closet. The yard is level with lots of room for RV/Boat parking, there is a courtyard with paving stones and glass covered entryway, nice � ower beds and a large deck at the back. Minutes to downtown Duncan. Motivated seller and early possession available!

1.25 ACRE PRIVATE LOT

477 Point Ideal $85,000

PARADISE VILLAGE

#57-6855 Park Ave $102,000

11 Indian Road $209,000

Located on the outskirts of the Town of Lake Cowichan. Zoning provided for various usage including intensive agriculture or a B & B. Easy access to the property o� Indian Road. Lots of privacy and there is the potential to bring in some revenue from logging some of the standing trees. Great opportunity to build a beautiful home in your own private wilderness. Call to view today!

2.5 ACRE TREED LOT$245,000

Beautiful waterfront lot on one of the nicest spots on Cowichan Lake. This is an undivided ½ interest a Joint Tenants with a Co-Ownership Agreement in place. Cute cabin on property with two bedrooms, includes a hot tub and dock. Enjoy the beach for swimming & boating and spectacular view of the Mountains & Lake. Call to view today!

BEAUTIFUL WATERFRONT LOT

197 Grants Lake Road $230,000

This home features 6 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, 2 kitchens and plenty of storage. There is a 560 sq ft double garage to store those summer toys. This big home sits on an extra large 0.37 acre lot with fenced garden area and lots of room for building that dream car garage. Quick Possession Available. Call to view today!

Helping you � nd the Property of your

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The perfect picture in this very cute bungalow. From the moment you open the door you will be amazed at the openness of the design, 3 big skylights accent the vauleted ceilings, 34 bedrooms, master with a full 4 pc bath. What a beautiful area to live in. Good neighbours make the di� erence. Call to view today!

EASY LIVING

191 Johnson $285,000

ROOMY READY & REASONABLE

SPECTACULAR VIEWS

#3-215 Madill $115,000

Centrally located to shopping and all amenities. Level entry with main � oor livingroom including an attached storage area and private patio in the back, where you can enjoy the wooded area and � owing creek. Upstairs has 3 bedrooms, 4 piece bath and the master has a walk in closet. Could be a great starter home for a young family, great investment or perfect for retirement. Call to view today!

AFFORDABLE TOWNHOUSE

WATERFRONT LOT

34 Creekside $309,900

Start your dream here! Beautiful water front lot located in prestigious Creekside Estates on the sunny south facing shores of Lake Cowichan. Incredible views of the pristine lake and mountains and many high end homes are in this impressive subdivision. Minutes from the Town of Lake Cowichan, close to trails and plenty of nature and recreation. This property boasts 14,124 sq ft and is ready to build on. Add your own private dock or walk on the waterfront pebble beach. Great place to enjoy the summer, live year round or retire!

225 Johel $339,000

Gorgeous Lake & Mountain views from all sides on this Kwassin Lake home. The home features 3 bed / 3 bath with an open plan living design. The master bedroom overlooks the lake and boasts a walk in closet and 4 pc en-suite. The backyard is perfect for entertaining or relaxing while watching the King� shers, ducks and more on your doorstep. Call now to view!

PEACE & TRANQUILITY

$121,000

Immaculate double wide mobile in a small adult park with only 10 units. This 2 bed/2 bath home has been meticulously maintained including paint, � ooring, appliances, new propane � replace, bathroom and the list goes on and on. A great home and wonderful location so don’t miss your chance to live here!

#1-8697 North Shore

EASY LIVING

30 Coronation $239,000

PICTURE PERFECT2 bed/2 bath rancher is move in ready with nothing to do! The home is immaculately maintained, the partially fenced yard has a mixture of beautiful plants, garden area and greenhouse. Great starter or retirement home. Call to view today!

REDUCED

147 MacDonald $220,000

This large home features 3 bedrooms upstairs with a huge living room, country kitchen and laundry room. There is a 1 bed suite downstairs which will provide extra revenue if needed or simply use as a big home. There is a big easy access wired shop that would be great for projects or storage. Call to view today!

REVENUE PROPERTY

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Greg Van EsGeneral Manager

Jason AdelborgGeneral

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Ross McCauleyFinancial

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Joe GrahamSales

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Trevor SheckSales

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Guy JonesSales

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Ian LepperSales

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ON THE ISLAND HIGHWAY, JUST NORTH OF DUNCAN (250) 748-5814 or 1-800-673-9276Open: Monday - Saturday 8:30 - 6 pm

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The Cowichan Lake District Chamber of Commerce would like to thank everyone who participated in the December Madness 7 Days Of Local Shopping

CHRISTMAS SHOPPING PASSPORT The winner of the $50.00 shopping Gift Certificate was

Douglas Pigot from Honeymoon BayThank you for supporting local business

We would also like to thank the participating businesses listed below for helping to make this event so special.

Tiptons Gas Bar and Coop Gas,Country Grocer, Remedy, Gord's Fly Box & Goodies, Home Hardware, Chamelon Arts, South Shore Cabinetry, Butler Locksmithing, Island Pharmacy, Galloping Moon, J&Vs Burgers and Pizza, Tim Hortons, George's Hair and Tanning, Irly Bird, Lake Cowichan Eyecare, Scarlett's Second Hand Boutique, Deb's Hair Design, Angies's Esthetics, Fields, Ice Cream Impossible, Footwear Centre, Cassy's Coffee House, Cafe Mochica, Pet Emporium, Jake's at the Lake, A&W, ShakerMill Restaurant, O.K. Tire, Lake Cowichan Furniture, Subway, Lordco Auto Parts, Fit for a Princess, West Coast Trading Post, Copper Lane, Lake Side Sushi, Curry in a Hurry, Heads or Nails, Bell's Flooring, Gerard's Speciality

Foods, J.J Chinese take-out, Cow Cafe, Curves.

In Business For Business

We Wish Everyone A Merry Christmas

...And The Winners AreIs proud to announce this year’s winners of

The Christmas Light-Up ContestSponsored by the

Cowichan Lake District Chamber of Commerce

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR CONTEST WINNERS!

BUSINESS: BEST DECORATED WINDOW DISPLAY

Ice Cream Impossible122B South Shore Road

RESIDENTS: BEST DECORATED HOUSE & LIGHTS

Stu and Karen Smith31 Stevens Crescent

(this was a BIG surprise to them as they were entered by Amanda, Jessica and Adam)

Winners each receive a certi� cate for bragging rights!

Lots of people crowded into Centennial Hall for the Lake Cowichan town hall meeting recently. They heard from town officials on a number of subjects, and had plenty to say themselves. [LEXI BAINAS/GAZETTE]

LEXI BAINAS GAZETTE

Work on new town hall for Lake Cowichan will begin in the spring.

Mayor Ross Forrest told the crowd at the Nov. 30 town hall meeting at Centennial Hall that the project will start with the demolition of the old fire hall bays — which are the closest sec-tion of the current building to the Cowichan River.

“We need to have a better facility. Lucky for us, the council

of about 14 years ago started put-ting away money for this and it’s continued. We will not be borrow-ing any money for this,” Forrest said.

Forrest has said several times recently that a new municipal hall is long overdue.

“This town has never had a proper council chambers,” he said, pointing out that council-lors had used the Mildred Child Annex (the old library), and then part of the old fire hall for meetings.

“Also, it’s really crucial to have some place for privacy. There’s none now,” he said.

“It’s time and we’re moving forward with it. The bays will be coming down first. We’ll remain in our [current] offices, though, but renovate them as we go along.”

Asked if the town would keep its fire siren, Forrest said that some location would be found for it.

“We’d still have a siren in town,” he said.

No borrowing for new town hall

LEXI BAINAS GAZETTE

While Lake Cowichan town council was stymied in its first attempt to get more informa-tion about property sales and buyers, the mayor and alder-men still want to look at ways to connect with newcomers to the community.

At their economic and sus-tainable development commit-tee meeting Nov. 17, they tossed around the idea of preparing some material to hand out to anyone buying property in the community.

CAO Joe Fernandez said he thought it would be very tough if not impossible to poll real-tors for the information and even knowing who was buying wouldn’t help with determining who was moving in and who were absentee landlords.

Mayor Ross Forrest said he thought it would be worthwhile to know more about who exact-ly is relocating to the Lake.

“They could have great skills to share. It would be nice to know who they are,” he said, suggesting that if the town could prepare some written

material it might be possible to distribute it through the notary public’s office since the paperwork for most land deals is handled there.

Coun. Bob Day and Coun. Carolyne Austin also suggested Welcome Wagon as another way to help welcome newcom-ers while finding out what they need and even what they could be bringing to the community.

Town works superintend-ent Nagy Rizk said he fielded a lot of calls from newcomers asking about opportunities to volunteer.

Fernandez said he had recent-ly been part of a joint tour of town with counterparts from the school district and sug-gested that cooperation might be another way to find out more about who’s coming to Cowic-han Lake.

Forrest also pointed out that given Lake Cowichan’s repu-tation for affordable housing, many folks were also moving to the town to rent, not buy, and there were other challenges in finding out about them, their needs and what they might add to the town.

Warm welcome? Town aims to help newcomers


Rushing water, great views greet Retreads on the winter trailsRetreads recently did two

nearby seasonal hikes, one down the Cowichan River

Loop with the river in full flow and some gallant salmon mak-ing their way up; and the other up old logging roads and with a scramble down the river side to view the Robertson River falls in full flow.

The Robertson hike started with a bit of excitement as we were helped one by one across a creek on a makeshift bridge cre-ated by laying out an extension ladder. All made the crossing with help and egging on. We then followed the river on an old logging road that runs beside it. Robertson River was unbeliev-ably crystal clear and we had hoped to see some fish but none were spotted even by those with updated eye lenses.

After we left the forest, the broom growing alongside the road was sparkling with frost adding a special effect to an already beautiful day. We then started up a long incline through an old clear-cut allowing wonderful views across the valley. We could hear the falls before we turned off the road to a rough trail that follows a ridge to an overlook at the top. We stayed on this mossy verge above the falls for an early lunch then half of the group took a steep, slippery trail down into the gully that leads to the base

of this magnificent 30 metre falls. Cliff, our trusty leader had brought a heavy rope which he tied to a tree near the bottom so we could safely clamber down to, and over a small stream draining into the river at the base of the falls.

The falls were fuller and more spectacular than we have ever seen them, making our challen-ging descent well worthwhile. While we were making this short side trip, the rest of the group soaked up some warm sunshine. Together again, we walked the 4 km back to our cars, enjoying the expansive views along the way.

A week earlier 17 of us parked at the end of Mayo Road,

crossed the logging bridge and set out along the Cowichan River Loop. After some time we climbed a short steep hill and paused at a viewpoint high above the river where it moves around a sharp bend with a gravel bank. That bank has been prone to erosion, but is now somewhat stable. Here we witnessed much gull and occasional eagle activity as they chased pieces of salmon.

Further along, opposite the group campground we were right down by the river’s edge but unable to venture out onto rocky ridges that were covered by the high river flow. We did see a few pretty tired salmon resting in a shallow pool at the edge of

the river but the river was a bit cloudy so we did not see them swim-ming up.

On down stream over a creek with a neat but slippery bridge up over some hills and then great joy as trestle 66 came into view. As we trudged along, skipping over but not tripping on tree roots I eavesdropped on fascinating discussions from the women behind me. The one topic that stuck in my mind was the one where “you could scrub your skin with a particular kind of brush and it came out as smooth

as a baby’s bum.” After a view down into the

river from the trestle above, we continued on along trails high above the north side of the river. At one point the trail, above a bend in the river, took us out for a few metres on the Trans Canada Trail, and then back onto the river trail that gradual-ly descends until we reach the group camp which has a shelter with rows of picnic tables.

At lunch we were not alone. There was a Duncan party occupying one table and as we sat another group passed along the trail. It was good to know that these park trails were being well used. After a pleas-ant lunch break sitting at tables, which is not our norm, we headed out to complete the last quarter of this loop. Mostly we travelled along reason-ably level trails under

huge big leaf maple trees. Some-times beside side creeks flowing into the river and sometimes on low ridges obviously formed by earlier river changes.

Then the Mayo Road forest bridge came into view and we soon completed the ever popular 8 km river loop. We also made a brief stop at Skutz Falls with a swirling torrent of water. A fas-cinating view in heavy flows.

The Retreads cross Robertson Creek using an extension ladder as bridge. [SUBMITTED]

Take a hikeBy David Kidd & Willa Suntjens

www.lakecowichangazette.com | THE LAKE COWICHAN GAZETTE | Wednesday, December 16, 2015 13S

andy

Stin

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ATTENTION DEVELOPERS & Investors – here is a great opportunity to purchase a multi-family site within city limits with full community servicing. “The Slopes”, a new Lake Cowichan subdivision showcasing a variety of beautiful new homes. Close to town & minutes to the Lake with easy hwy. access.

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10150 Youbou Road

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7777 Sunset Drive4 Bedroom home, 1 minute from

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7971 Cowichan Valley Hwy.PROPOSED NICE NEW HOUSE. Big log home with loft, and shop on 14 acres in town boundary. Big

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$1,199,000

297 North Shore RoadTimber frame home across from the

lake with 1 bdr. suite

$469,000

10351 Youbou

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481 Mountain View Rd. $549,900

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164 Elk $68,000466 Point Ideal 1/4 Acre $105,9001734 Meagan St. Crofton Ocean View $133,900229 Johel Rd $79,900

Large Sunny Lots STARTING AT $100,000The SLOPES BIG LOTS $99,000

RE/MAX of LAKE COWICHAN

127 Darnell Rd.Cute cottage, easy walk to town

$153,400

72 Park RoadRiverfront home on the Cowichan River walking distance to all Lake Cowichan has to offer. $795,000$265,000

$265,900

93 & 95 South Shore Rd.Commercial/Residential downtown

riverfront property

$389,000

Huge lot, water glimpses,3 bedrooms

$179,0005 acres of amazing waterfront, huge log cabin, tennis court,

swimming pool, caretakers cabin, shop.

$2,500,000

Beautifully updated home, new kitchen, � xtures,

� ooring, updated bathroom, new roof in 2011, .8 acre can

be subdivided.

$199,999

$154,900

New roof and renovationsto basement!

$199,000

Unique waterfront development situated on the Cowichan River 2 bdrm cottage perfect for a weekend retreat or live year round

146 Wavell RoadOne acre in town, walk to everything,

new open concept livingRIVERFRONT

$419,000

www.remaxlakecowichan.com

Sa-Seenos WATERFRONT

1.66 acres, HUGELY MOTIVATED!

$589,900

10484 Youbou Rd.Lake view from kitchen, landscaped, .52 acre

23 Stevens Crescent3 Bdrm. cedar sided, wood � oors, 2 shops, awesome fenced yard.

$219,000

Penny LaneDuplex $239,000Cottage $259,000

$367,00010196 Youbou

RECREATION – MULTI-FAMILY INVESTMENT – SUBDIVISION POTENTIAL

Nearly 1.5 acres of gently-sloping waterfront. panoramic Views. Private & sheltered.

This charming cottage includes a sweet bungalow & has everything you need for rest, relaxation & entertaining.

$739,000

Magni� cent lakefront home on .70 of an acre. Complete with guest cottage

$919,000

WOW!

521 Point Ideal 9041 Meades Creek

147 Cowichan Ave

Large family home with many updates, wood stove downstairs and fenced backyard, across from TC trail.

154 South Shore Rd. Commercial Building and LandMain St. in Lake Cowichan, 7200 sq. ft. lot

130 Neva Rd. Lake Cowichan Home Centre, business and mini mall

$1,495,000 $310,000

$194,900

80 Fern RoadCozy home on extra large lot, open concept living, metal roof, just 2 years old!

119 Boundary RoadMobile home on extra large lot. Proper roof trusses and asphalt

shingles Priced to sell.

24 Nelson Road

Renovated mobile in waterfront park.Full time living oryour summer escape. 6 monthsFREE pad rent.

2 Bedroom home with sweet yard, newer roof; perfect for a garden lover.

$339,000$39,900

$165,0009220 Nighthawk RoadBayview Village, with private beach, nice deck

$269,000

169 South ShoreLand & building orstart your own business$449,000

3 bedrooms, two baths, bring your lake toys and enjoy.

110 River Road

$249,000

3 bed, 2 bath rancher, propane � replace, jacuzzi tub in master, double garage.

32 Paddle Duck Lane

Best of both worlds. Weekend Gettaway or live full time. This Park Model is right at the edge of the pond.

$180,000

262 King� sher Pl. Cute 9 year old 4 bedroom home with open concept,

fenced yard with RV hook-up.

$289,900SOLD

EARLY CHRISTMAS PRESENT

1/2 acre of privacy, gazebo, creek in back, 3 bedrooms, close to beach

7780 Parkinson Ave.

$149,900

Ela

ine

McG

inn

Bra

d B

erg

en

87 South Shore Road

9200 sqft commercial space downtown. Some space rented, over

4K in income

$495,000

Lot 5 Miracle Way

7434 Cowichan Lake RoadPark like setting backing onto Trans Canada Trail, 1.5 Storey house with new roof in 2014. $219,900

PENDING


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Amount available on 2015 Genisis 3.8 GT Coupe

Geoff DunnSales + Leasing Consultant

Looking for a New or Used Vehicle?

Call Geoff: [email protected]

Always new trades! Give me a call!

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An ad in the service directory is an affordable way to advertiseyour business to everyone at

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Call 250.749.4383 for more information

In BriefArena fun for New Year’s Eve

If you’re looking for something the whole family can do together on New Year’s Eve, look no further than the Cowichan Lake Sports Arena.

On Thursday, Dec. 31 from 5-8 p.m. it’s just $10 per family to head to the arena for family skating, crafts, sports, games, a movie, hot chocolate and more. They have to know if they have enough people coming to make it worthwhile, though, so register for the event at the arena by Dec. 22 by calling 250-749-6742.

For more information on programs and events at Cowichan Lake Recrea-tion visit www.cvrd.bc.ca

Honeymoon Bay polar bearsAre you ready to start the year off in

daredevil fashion with a really cold dip in an icy lake?

Then the annual polar bear swim hosted by Brian and Pat Peters at Honeymoon Bay is the event for you to start 2016 with. There is no regis-tration; all you have to do is show up promptly at 11 a.m. at the public beach access across from 7244 Walton Rd. with your towel.Kate Khan with the little ones Zella and Emirah are excited about Christmas shopping at Stephenie and Carolyn Potter’s booth the Youbou Craft

Fair. There were plenty of beautiful sparkling crafts to catch the eye. [MALCOLM CHALMERS PHOTO]

CHRISTMAS IN YOUBOU


*Subject to approved credit. Not available to customers on the credit limit program. Available for clients who activate or renew on a 2 year Your Choice plan with a $70 monthly spend before tax or a $50 monthly spend when adding a line toan existing plan. SIM not included. $5 Tablet Share plan required to be added to a TELUS Your Choice rate plan. Customers will receive the $5 rate for as long as they choose to stay on the Tablet Share plan. Available only on Consumer accounts.Only available at participating locations. Limited time offer, prices subject to change. Retail price of the 16GB iPad mini 2 is $470. Customers must pay back the balance of the tablet over a 24 month period via monthly payments equal to$20/month. TELUS, the TELUS logo are trademarks of TELUS Corporation, used under licence. TM and © 2015 Apple Inc. All rights reserved. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. © 2015 TELUS.

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Offers available until January 24, 2016, where access and line of sight permit, to residential customers who have not subscribed to TELUS TV or Internet or Home Phone in the past 90 days. Cannot be combined with other offers. Regular pricesapply at the end of the promotional period. TELUS Satellite TV is not available to residents of multi-dwelling units. Rates include a $5/mo. discount for bundled services, a $3/mo. digital service fee. TELUS reserves the right to modify channelline ups and packaging, and regular pricing without notice. HDTV-input-equipped television required to watch HD. Free install on existing TV outlets/phone jacks. If a new jack or inside wiring is required, additional charges of $75 for the firstjack will be incurred, and $25 per jack thereafter. Minimum system requirements apply. Final eligibility for the services will be determined by a TELUS representative. PVR capabilities subject to and limited by applicable laws. TELUS, the TELUSlogo, TELUS TV and TELUS Satellite TV are trademarks of TELUS Corporation, used under licence. All rights reserved. © 2015 TELUS.




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Offers available until January 24, 2016, where access and line of sight permit, to residential customers who have not subscribed to TELUS TV or Internet or Home Phone in the past 90 days. Cannot be combined with other offers. Regular pricesapply at the end of the promotional period. TELUS Satellite TV is not available to residents of multi-dwelling units. Rates include a $5/mo. discount for bundled services, a $3/mo. digital service fee. TELUS reserves the right to modify channelline ups and packaging, and regular pricing without notice. HDTV-input-equipped television required to watch HD. Free install on existing TV outlets/phone jacks. If a new jack or inside wiring is required, additional charges of $75 for the firstjack will be incurred, and $25 per jack thereafter. Minimum system requirements apply. Final eligibility for the services will be determined by a TELUS representative. PVR capabilities subject to and limited by applicable laws. TELUS, the TELUSlogo, TELUS TV and TELUS Satellite TV are trademarks of TELUS Corporation, used under licence. All rights reserved. © 2015 TELUS.




Get TELUS Satellite TV® for $15/monthfor the first year on a three year term.

Save over

$290in your first

year!

Enjoy a single bill for all of your home services

Up to

29 HDchannels

‘tis the season of saving.

Documents

Lake Cowichan Gazette, December 16, 2015