Menstrual supplies, all-gender washrooms, and more accessible signage will soon be available for BC Ferries customers.

The Ferry-line has announced they have joined United Way BC’s period promise, a campaign that looks to improve access of menstrual products for those in need.

Vice president of public affairs and marketing for BC Ferries Lindsay Mathews says the initiatives are more than just improvements to their service.

“They represent our ongoing commitment to creating an inclusive environment that respects the diverse needs of all our customers,” said Mathews.

Over 300 public and employee single-use washrooms will be converted to all-gender ones on ships and at-shore facilities by the end of the fiscal year. They also say that menstrual products will be available in those washrooms.

They add there will be Braille washroom signs on every vessel as part of a bigger effort of bringing ideal travelling for customers.

Those signs will be implemented by spring next year.

The post BC Ferries to add menstrual products, washrooms, and signs appeared first on My Cowichan Valley Now.

Cops for Cancer Tour de Rock is returning the Vancouver Island, and one rider says he’s thrilled to get behind such a worthy cause. 

The tour began in 1997 with one police officer who wanted to make a difference, and since the Canadian Cancer Society says it has grown into a united effort across Canada as well as one of the largest fundraisers for childhood cancer research. 

Sun FM midday host Nicholas Arnold says initially he never thought about touring with the ride, but knowing the team’s efforts are supporting research and raising money to help increase survival rates is touching and heartwarming. 

“It’s raising money and funds towards fighting against childhood cancer,” Arnold says. “It’s also supporting Camp Goodtimes which is kind of an escape for families who are dealing with childhood cancer. 

“When you think about it, there’s really no better cause than that.” 

Tour de Rock teams raise money that goes right into fighting cancer, and funding research, and according to the Canadian Cancer Society’s website they’ve raised almost $54 million across Canada. 

Arnold, along with North Cowichan RCMP officer Warren Kongus, will be raising funds through their website. Arnold adds support is greatly needed and appreciated no matter what the amount. 

“It’s a great cause, and we would really appreciate donations,” he says. 

The Canadian Cancer Society is the largest national charitable funder of childhood cancer research in Canada and has invested more than $16.4 million specifically to fund childhood cancer research. 

The post ‘There’s no better cause,’ Tour de rock rider   appeared first on My Cowichan Valley Now.

Starting this Friday, most open fires will be prohibited on Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast.

This comes from BC Wildfire Service, saying that the Coastal Fire Centre is prohibiting category 2 and 3 open fires to lower the risk of wildfires and to protect public safety.

They say category 2 fires are any open fires that burn material in one pile not over 2 meters in height and 3 meters in width, while Category 3 fires burn material in 3 or more piles not over the same measurements.

Along with the fires, the ban includes fireworks, sky lanterns, binary exploding targets, burn barrels/burn cages, and air curtain burners.

The service adds category 1 campfires aren’t banned, as long as it’s a half-meter high by a half-meter wide or smaller.

The ban will be in place starting at noon on Friday, running until October 31 or until the order is rescinded.

The post Coastal Fire Centre to ban Category 2 and 3 open fires Friday appeared first on My Cowichan Valley Now.

This Wednesday BC Ferries is holding a public information session to discuss future work on the Crofton Ferry Terminal. 

The session will touch on a few different aspects of the work, mainly berth upgrades to accommodate Island Class vessels for the Crofton-Vesuvius route in 2027.

BC Ferries says they anticipate the new vessels will improve traffic congestion, pointing to similar upgrades done at other terminals like Gabriola and Hornby Islands.

Mayor Rob Douglas says that North Cowichan staff will be in attendance.

If you’re interested in checking out the meeting it's taking place this Wednesday, May 15th from 4pm to 7pm at the Crofton Community Centre on Robert Street. 

You can RSVP on the BC Ferries website.

The post BC Ferries to hold information session for Crofton terminal upgrades appeared first on My Cowichan Valley Now.

BC Ferries says they’re amping up their sailings to accommodate travellers for the peak season, but passengers should still plan in advance. 

Last year BC Ferries says they saw more than 430,000 passengers and 170,000 vehicles travel from the mainland to the Sunshine Coast and Vancouver Island which promoted them to add 95 sailings to accommodate the increase.  

Executive director of communications and engagement Jeff Groot says this season they’re prepared for an increase and have taken steps to ensure reliable service.  

“We’re going to be adding hundreds of new sailings not only for the May long weekend, but across the peak season,” he says. “All ships have been through their refit, so we’ve been able to condense the repair schedule and they’ll be sailing by early June.” 

BC Ferries anticipates an influx of travellers during the upcoming holiday and Groot says customers who book online, and with a vehicle, should still look for deals and try to plan around busy peak periods. 

“The May long weekend is our third busiest of the year,” he says. “For customers I would encourage them to look and see if reservations are available and book ahead. 

“If you can’t make a reservation, I would encourage people to show up and consider other ways to travel like walking on, public transit and carpooling.” 

Groot adds they have enough staff to fill out the summer and they don’t expect any issues. 

“We’ve almost hired an additional 600 staff this year, to make sure not only the May long weekend but through the summer we’re going to have the right people in place and trained,” he says.  

BC Ferries says in addition to making reservations passengers should plan for parking and arrive early for their sailings to avoid rushing or missing their boat. 

The post We’re ready for summer, BC Ferries  appeared first on My Cowichan Valley Now.

 The province says returning a piece of land to local First Nations is a cause for celebration and a key reconciliation measure.  

Indigenous leaders and the provincial government were in Lake Cowichan this weekend to sign an agreement the province calls a milestone that will enable the return of significant lands in the Cowichan River Valley to two member communities of the Quw’utson Nation. 

Lyackson nation chief Richard Thomas says he is thankful to the province for keeping their word, and that returning the land is historical. 

“This collaboration is a living expression of our Snu’uy’uth,” he says. “I want to acknowledge minister Rankin and premier Eby for honouring their commitment to the Leeyq’sun Mustimuhw with the signing of this agreement.” 

He adds the land will strengthen the community, culture and their economy for today and future generations. 

Cowichan Tribes chief Cindy Daniels says she is looking forward to working together with their Lyackson neighbours to make sure both parties receive equal portions of land. 

“I recognize the province is working with us to make this possible,” she says. “Cowichan Tribes is pleased to support our Lyackson relatives in accordance with our sunw’uy’ulh and divide these lands in a good and equitable way. 

“Together, we’re advancing a collaborative approach to addressing the urgent need for land for our citizens.” 

The parcel of land is estimated to be 312-hectares and valued at $8.55 million.  

The post Province signs off on return of significant land in Cowichan River Valley appeared first on My Cowichan Valley Now.

Update as of May 12, 2024 at 11:22 a.m.: Police have located Rose West, RCMP thank members of the public for their assistance.

North Cowichan and Duncan RCMP are looking for leads to locate a missing woman who was last seen in Duncan. 

Police say Rose West left her treatment facility in Cobble Hill on May. 11 around 12:40 p.m. and was last seen around 7:20 p.m. on the same day. 

Hill is described as a 60-year-old Indigenous woman, approximately 5 feet two inches tall, weighing roughly 126 pounds with black hair and brown eyes. 

Police say Hill’s family is concerned for her well-being and are asking anyone with information to contact the non-emergency line at 250-748-5522.  

The post Update: RCMP search for missing 60-year-old Cobble Hil woman  appeared first on My Cowichan Valley Now.

Island dance duo Funkanometry is in the finale this week for Canada’s Got Talent.

Jacksun Fryer and Carlow Rush impressed the judges last week so much, they got the green light to perform in the finale on Tuesday. Judge Trish Stratus says they were one of the highlights of the whole season.

This year’s winner will get a million-dollar cash prize, the biggest in Canadian TV history.

The finale airs live Tuesday night, visit the official website for details how to vote for Funkanometry during the show.

Voting will open at 5:10 pm on Tuesday, and will be open for one hour.

The post Island dance duo in finale for Canada’s Got Talent appeared first on My Cowichan Valley Now.

Most families in BC don’t know what to do if they find a downed or damaged power line, new research shows.

BC Hydro recently conducted a survey, finding that in the event of a downed line, more than three-quarters of parents with children 18 and younger didn’t know that they needed to stay back 10 meters from it and call 911.

A lot of parents believed that they should call BC Hydro about it, with more than 1 in 10 thinking posting on social media is the best strategy.

The survey also found more than half didn’t discuss electrical safety and power line hazards with their kids.

Hydro says damaged equipment can pose risks to the public.

To avoid close calls, they recommend you talk to your kids about safety and hazards, to stay 10 meters away from the downed line, and call 911.

The post BC Hydro survey shows most don’t know what to do with downed line appeared first on My Cowichan Valley Now.

Reliability is what customers want and BC Ferries says they’ve answered the call. 

According to a media release, live webcams have been installed on minor route terminals where riders will be able to view the latest conditions, information and plan for their travel. 

Vice president of customer experience Melanie Lucia says the cameras have come just in time for summer travel, but they will assist riders during all seasons. 

“With the busy summer travel fast approaching, customers can now access up-to-date sailing times and service information,” she says. “They can also make informed choices about their schedules.” 

BC Ferries adds this is just one of several improvements they intend to put in place, including upgrades to the BC Ferries app and website, to increase customer experience and reliability.  

The post BC Ferries introduces new live webcams at minor sailing ports  appeared first on My Cowichan Valley Now.

The BC NDP have announced their candidate for the Cowichan Valley riding and she’s no stranger to public service. 

Debra Toporowski, who was acclaimed as the candidate during a visit by premier David Eby yesterday, is currently a North Cowichan councillor, who is also serving with Cowichan Tribes.  

Toporowski says this is a new challenge, and one she is ready to jump into with both feet. 

“It feels great,” she says. “I am excited to dive right into the work and hit the ground running.” 

She feels her background and community involvement will be a great asset to the party, and when addressing the issues around the Cowichan Valley and the province. 

“I’m going to use all the tools at hand, and I am a good listener,” Toporowski says. “I like to find solutions to problems with stakeholders in the riding.” 

Finding the issues and solving them is at the top of her list, but Toporowski says to solve the issues the government needs to find what happened and create solutions. 

“I want to connect everybody and find the gaps then bring them forward,” she says. “People are working in different organizations; one is working on the same solution as another but they’re not talking to each other. 

“This is why we need that voice at the provincial level, to bring that voice of the people to say there are solutions.” 

Toporowski will be going up against Cammy Lockwood for the BC Green Party.

The post BC NDP candidate named for Cowichan Valley  appeared first on My Cowichan Valley Now.

As of 11:03 a.m. on May 12, 2024; emergency crews have wrapped up and returned the scene to normal

Emergency crews are on scene after Dollar Tree employees reported a smell of gas around this morning. 

One employee says the odour was apparent when staff arrived around 8:30 a.m. and that is when they notified the fire department. 

“We smelled gas, or propane when we got here,” she says. “We went to work and started getting worried about what would happen, so we called 911.” 

According to staff, emergency crews were on the scene shortly after calling 911 and there is no indication as to when they will allowed be back in. 

So far one firetruck, ambulance and two police cruisers are on scene. There has been no word to when the store will reopen, or when crews will open the parking lot. 

The post Update :Emergency crews respond to morning gas leak in Duncan  appeared first on My Cowichan Valley Now.

Premier David Eby says now is the time for community advocacy groups and the government to come together to support the most vulnerable. 

Last month the provincial government announced restriction that would see use of hard drugs once again banned in public areas and give police the power to arrest as a last resort. 

 Eby says his government is open to working with advocacy groups and even now it is imperative to partner with them to help connect people struggling with the help they need. 

“We share a common concern, which is that everyone should feel safe visiting every part of their downtowns,” he says. “I hope these groups, government and community members can all work together to achieve that goal.” 

He adds making sure streets are clean, crime is low and businesses are safe is the priority and that is why building a line of communication with community advocacy groups should be fostered with open dialogue. 

“When we’re doing things like opening supportive housing for people to respond to encampments, and support for police to do challenging work around public drug use then the whole community needs to pull together,” he says. “This is where these groups can really be helpful.” 

Advocacy groups have formed across the province under the Save our Streets Coalition, and other banners. 

The post Government, community groups should work together tackling opioid crisis, premier says  appeared first on My Cowichan Valley Now.

Negotiators are hoping to avoid a strike this summer at BC ports. 

Talks between the BCMEA and International Longshore and Warehouse Union Ship and Dock Foreman Local 514 are continuing with the hopes of not putting Canada’s supply chain at risk. 

According to the BC Maritime Employers Association proposals have been put forward to pursue a balanced agreement that will benefit the 730 foreperson and their families, while ensuring BC ports remain competitive and affordable. 

The BCMEA says they recently made a generous offer to settle the dispute including a significant pay raise which would include monies above and beyond pension entitlements. 

“We recently offered a generous monetary proposal of a 19.2 per cent wage increase, which would enhance the media foreperson compensation from $246323 to $293,617 annually,” said vice-president of government and public affairs Rob McKay. “On top of that, the four-year proposal included a $3,243 average signing bonus and a 16 per cent increase to retirement benefits. 

“If the agreement were signed today, on average, eligible workers could receive a cumulative lump sum payment in the range of $15,000, inclusive of the signing bonus and retroactive pay.” 

The release says the conduct of the union bargaining committee hasn’t been productive which has forced the BCMEA to file a complaint with the Canada Industrial Relations Board yesterday and they [BCMEA] hope it will be resolved. 

Both parties are expected to start bargaining again after a 21-day cool off period, but the release says they’ve both at the point where a strike could happen. 

The BCMEA says if a strike does occur it could cause serious implications for Canada’s supply chain which has already suffered a loss of $10.7 billion in disrupted and diverted cargo which most of it [cargo] has not been returned to Canadian Ports. 

The post Strike possible at BC ports, BCMEA  appeared first on My Cowichan Valley Now.

Starting this month, you can apply for French-language services funding throughout B.C.

The provincial government says they will provide $250,000 to initiatives that aim to support the Francophone community with French-language services.

Minister of Health and responsible for Francophone Affairs Adrian Dix says the funding is reinforcing their commitment to help the community.

They say to be eligible for the funding, you need to be a non-profit that provides a service to French-speaking residents and be able to deliver that service.

Applications are open until June 11. For where to apply, click here.

The post Applications open for French-language service funding in B.C. appeared first on My Cowichan Valley Now.

If you didn't see the Northern Lights last night, you will likely get another chance tonight during the biggest geomagnetic storm in more than 20 years.

Several geo-magnetic eruptions from the Sun are happening this weekend, possibly causing disruption to communications and power grids. So far no major issues have been detected although some power grid irregularities and issues with high-frequency communications and GPS systems have been reported.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Space Weather centre said extreme, or G5, conditions will be sweeping over the earth all weekend in the strongest storm since 2003.

NOAA says the aurora will persist until at least Sunday, and will fade after the region of the sun causing the storms rotates out of view.

The post Aurora Borealis puts on rare light show for Vancouver Island, more on the way appeared first on My Cowichan Valley Now.

Premier David Eby will be joining Debra Toporowski in Duncan today.  

According to a media release, the premier is scheduled to be on hand to announce the acclamation of Debra Toporowski as the BC NDP candidate for Cowichan Valley.  

Eby is said to be arriving the farmers, at 200 Craig Street, at 10 a.m. for questions and photographs.  

The post BC premier to visit Duncan today appeared first on My Cowichan Valley Now.

Another small earthquake was detected off the West Coast of Vancouver Island early this morning, one week after a similar quake in the same location.

Earthquakes Canada says it was measured at 4.2 magnitude at a depth of five kilometres, about 170 kilometres southwest of Port Alice.

No damage or tsunami is expected.

Last Thursday’s 4.8 magnitude quake was in the same place, the region is where three techtonic plates meet deep underground and is one of the most seismically active locations in North America.

The post Small quake measured off Island’s west coast early Friday morning appeared first on My Cowichan Valley Now.

A dog has been found deceased east of Cowichan Lake with a gunshot wound to the chest. 

According to Find Lost and Escaped Dogs (FLED), the dog was found on Wednesday up on Hill 60 when volunteers received a call from someone in the Shawnigan Lake area. 

FLED says the male dog appeared to be in good shape and calls the whole situation tragic and horrific.  

“This boy looked in good shape, his teeth were in good shape,” FLED says. “He had one gunshot wound to his chest that was very noticeable.”  

They say crimes like this are becoming all too common and the same justice should be applied to those who harm animals that can’t defend themselves. 

“Someone knows this dog, or has seen it at one time or another,” they say. “Like any other animal, this dog deserves justice and the person who shot this boy needs to be held accountable.” 

If anyone has information on the death of the dog, or if they know who the owner is, they’re asked to contact FLED at 250-479-0911 or send an email. 

The post Dog found shot to death east of Cowichan Lake appeared first on My Cowichan Valley Now.

An early morning power outage in Duncan was caused by mechanical failure but has since been resolved. 

According to B-C Hydro’s website, the outage occurred shortly before 6:30 a.m. this morning, which they say affected more than 2,100 customers.  

Power was restored about an hour-and-a-half later, and B-C says they apologize for any inconvenience. 

The post Power outage in Duncan affects small handful of customers  appeared first on My Cowichan Valley Now.