After a short closure and under new ownership, the Cowitan tanning salon on Kenneth Street has returned.
Danielle Schmidt from Maple Bay has taken over the shop from Chris St-Cyr and partner Jason Fong, who opened it in 2021.
Schmidt, who is a friend of the partners, said both have full-time jobs and found little time to run Cowitan anymore.
She said the business was successful, so she grabbed the opportunity to become a store owner for the first time.
Schmidt, who has lived in the Cowichan Valley for most of her life, had previously worked in the restaurant industry and as a nail technician, and she’s bringing her nail skills to Cowitan.
“I’ve always had a passion to do my own thing, and I jumped at the opportunity to bring a bit of funk to the area and carry on the legacy of Cowitan,” she said.
“I’m just beginning to realize how much work running a business is, but I’m very excited about it. People have been very supportive.”
Cowitan has two tanning beds and an infrared sauna, sells beach-related clothes and merchandise and now has a nail service as well.
The store held its grand opening on Sept. 14.
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After almost five years in operation in downtown Duncan, Fresh Kenny’s Casual Eats has closed its doors for the final time.
Owner Curtis Flynn said there are a number of factors that led to his decision to close the restaurant, which opened its doors on Kenneth Street in 2019 before moving to a larger location nearby at 111 Jubilee St. in 2021.
Fresh Kenny’s was known for its fish and chips, pizzas, burgers, tacos and other delights.
Flynn said the first reason for closing, and most important for him, is for his family.
“I have a young family, with kids now aged 14, 11, and six, and I work here all day seven days a week,” Flynn said.
“It’s been tough for them. Operating this restaurant has always been my dream, now it’s my kids’ dreams that matter most to me.”
Flynn also said, like many other restaurants these days, business at Fresh Kenny’s is down significantly, and has seen a drop of approximately 40 per cent since last year.
He said it’s the end of an era for him after spending 28 years in the restaurant business.
“I have no plans for the future at this time,” Flynn said. “It’ll be a whole new adventure for me and my family.”
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The Excellent Frameworks - EJ Hughes Gallery, located at 115 Kenneth St. in downtown Duncan, plans to carry art supplies for the first time by late September.
Suzan Kostiuck, who has owned the gallery for the past nine years, said that with the recent closure of Duncan’s Monk Office Supply store, and having Diane retire from Scott’s Toys and Hobbies a few years ago, there is a need for someone to carry art supplies in the area.
She said there will be no online shopping for the art supplies so customers will have to go to the store to buy them.
“Low on panel boards? We will have them; Winsor and Newton oil paint? We will have it,” Kostiuck said.
“As always, we rely on our local shoppers so please do call, email, or comment on what type of supplies you would like on a regular basis and we will do our best to carry it. We will continue to offer our professional custom-framing services, carry our full line of EJ Hughes reproductions, and also keep featuring works of art by Island artists. I hope to meet all you creative folks soon.”
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The Duncan Cowichan Chamber of Commerce is looking for passionate members to help shape the future of the business organization.
If you care about the community and want to make a difference, consider joining the chamber’s board of directors for the 2024/25 term.
“As a director, you’ll play a key role in setting the direction of the chamber, advocating for local businesses, and driving initiatives that benefit our members and the broader community,” the chamber said.
“It’s a chance to share your ideas, bring fresh energy to our work, and help create new opportunities for growth and connection in the Cowichan region. Serving on the board also offers fantastic professional development. You’ll gain valuable experience, broaden your perspectives, and strengthen your leadership skills, all while contributing just five to eight hours a month.”
If you’re interested in getting involved, reach out to the chamber’s executive director, Sonja Nagel, at 250-748-1111 or email manager@duncancc.bc.ca. She’ll provide you with an application package and answer any questions you might have. The deadline to express interest is Sept. 27.
“We hope to see you at our Annual General Meeting on Nov. 26 when the new board will be elected,” the chamber said. “Join us and help make a difference.”
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In other chamber news, the next edition of the Speaker Series Luncheon will be held on Sept. 26 in collaboration with the Cowichan Intercultural Society at the Best Western Cowichan Valley Inn.
This event will dive into how CIS supports both employers and newcomers in our community, including how local businesses can connect with skilled newcomers through CIS and the Talent Beyond Boundaries program.
“Join us to learn more about these valuable programs and how they can benefit your business,” the chamber said.
The event runs from noon to 1 p.m.
Tickets are $35 for members and their guests, and $45 for non-members.
