Welcome to Lake Flashback. Reporter Sarah Simpson has been combing through old newspapers with the assistance of the Kaatza Station Museum and Archives so we can jog your memory, give you that nostalgic feeling, or just a chuckle, as we take a look at what was making headlines this week around Cowichan Lake in years gone by.
This week around the Cowichan Lake area…
10 years ago
The Kaatza Child Care and Early Learning Centre officially closed 10 years ago this month and the Lake Cowichan Gazette had a breakdown of its final days on the front page of the Oct. 12, 2011 edition.
“Over the 37 years it has operated, the Kaatza Child Care and Early Learning Centre has made a lot of friends. These friends, made up of members, volunteers, and supporters, are being invited for one final farewell party for the centre, Saturday, Oct. 15.
“’We just felt that there needed to be some closure,’ the centre’s head supervisor Wendy Fetchko said. ‘People are shocked, so we thought it would be a good way of bringing it to a close.’ The centre’s 37 years of operating in Lake Cowichan will be highlighted by a large collection of photographs, which people will be invited to take. Unfortunately, the photos only cover the centre’s history post Sept. 8, 1991, as that is when the United Church — where the centre was located previously — burned down. During the Oct. 15 celebration, to take place from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., coffee, cake, and memories will be shared by those in attendance. The centre will still look like a child care centre, as it isn’t until the subsequent week when it will be gutted to help pay for losses.”
From one struggling local group to another, the Kaatza Lakeside Players’ theatre group needed help.
With their Christmas production just over a month away, the Kaatza Lakeside Players’ theatre group needs some help. “’The theatre’s built like an iceberg, with the actors on the top,’ technical director Mike Patrick said. ‘It’s a really unique chance to employ your creative skills.’ Patrick and other theatre volunteers spoke during the first-ever behind the scenes learning party. Whereas those attending theatre productions tend to take greatest note of the actors, there are many other parts that put together a successful production. Two under-recognized key actors are sound and lighting. ‘The sound and the lighting are a part of the show,’ stage manager Barbara Simkins said.”
25 years ago
The election hadn’t even taken place yet but Lakers knew who their new mayor was going to be early.
“Brown is Mayor” was Susan Lowe’s headline on the front of the Oct. 16, 1996 Lake News.
“Deputy Mayor and Councillor Jean Brown will be our new Mayor,” the story said. “She won by acclamation Friday when no one else registered nomination papers for the Mayor’s position. Deadline was last Friday. The election for Village councillors, school trustees and CVRD directors will be Nov. 16.
“Brown’s major concern, she says, is growth. ‘It has to be accomplished in an orderly manner, making sure our infrastructure can accommodate it and our wallets can afford it. The growth is here, with a doubling effect in the new century.’”
It was also Fire Safety Week this time 25 years ago and members of the community gathered at Saywell Park to learn more from volunteer firefighters, and even get to test out some fire suppression gear.
40 years ago
Area clubs and organizations were warned to fundraise within the law 40 years ago this week, according to the Oct. 14, 1981 Lake News.
The RCMP “reminded this week that there are regulations regarding raffles and lotteries.
“According to the Lake Cowichan RCMP, clubs start their fundraising activities after the summer season, and police had issued a reminder to help ensure that organizations don’t get caught bringing in their applications too late. Applications for lottery licence must be made at least six weeks prior to the date of the draw. Tickets for a lottery or raffle cannot be sold for a period longer than four months in advance of the date of the draw.
“A licence will not be issued to an organization which does not have a religious of charitable object. The definition of ‘charitable object’ includes relief of poverty, education, advancement of religion or any purpose beneficial to the community.”
And finally, jobs were lost in the forest sector this week 40 years ago.
“Double blow faces BCFP mill workers” was the headline.
“Workers at B.C. Forest Products Youbou sawmill are facing two blows — the immediate layoff of 90 veneer plant and 41 ‘B’ mill employees and the ultimate reduction of 70 jobs in the sawmill.
“According to mill manager Spence Brigden, the veneer plant will be laid off starting Oct. 26 for three weeks. This will affect 90 workers, including the 12 graveyard shift employees laid off Oct. 5.
“Brigden said Tuesday that ‘essentially, the demand and price of plywood has continued to drop’ and BCFP’s Victoria and Delta plywood mills are both shutting down.”
Both were set to close up for several weeks.
“Meanwhile, there has been construction going on at Youbou, all around the current ‘B’ mill, but the point has been reached where the ‘B’ mill must be demolished to make use of the space and tie in new equipment.”
The mill’s 41 workers were laid off and were to return in stages after a two-week total shutdown.
sarah.simpson@cowichanvalleycitizen.com
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