Local News

Recovery efforts continue in the Cowichan Valley after last weeks flooding. Pictured are people being rescued along Canada Ave. during the heavy rains on Nov. 15. (File photo)

2 roads still closed, but Cowichan Valley recovering from floods

But heavy rain is expected again by week’s end

  • Nov 24, 2021
Recovery efforts continue in the Cowichan Valley after last weeks flooding. Pictured are people being rescued along Canada Ave. during the heavy rains on Nov. 15. (File photo)
The City of Duncan is considering a proposal for another 40 sleeping cabins for the homeless, like the ones pictured at St. Julien Street, to be placed at as temporary site at 610 Trunk Road. (File photo)

Another temporary cabin site for homeless proposed for Trunk Road

Site would consist of 40 sleeping cabins and wrap-aroujnd services

The City of Duncan is considering a proposal for another 40 sleeping cabins for the homeless, like the ones pictured at St. Julien Street, to be placed at as temporary site at 610 Trunk Road. (File photo)
Justin James Dodd made his second appearance in provincial court in Duncan via videolink on second degree murder charges. (Photo by Don Bodger)

Man charged in Crofton murders of dad and son still maintains he’ll represent himself in court

Crown to turn over evidence to Justin Dodd for perusal before next court appearance

Justin James Dodd made his second appearance in provincial court in Duncan via videolink on second degree murder charges. (Photo by Don Bodger)
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Vancouver International Airport (YVR Airport/Twitter)
COVID-19 variant prompts ban on travellers from southern Africa
Vanderhoof RCMP detachment seen on Nov. 25, 2021, after a man was seen with a long gun targeting the building. (Aman Parhar/Vanderhoof Omineca Express)
VIDEO: Suspect arrested in Vanderhoof after active shooter sparks city-wide lockdown
Damage caused by heavy rains and mudslides is shown in this aerial photo along the Coquihalla Highway south of Merritt, B.C., on Monday, November 22, 2021. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck
B.C. officials urge residents to prep for more storms, say food supply is stable
A farm is surrounded by flood waster as seen from a fly over of the flood damage in Abbotsford, B.C., Tuesday, November 23, 2021. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jonathan Hayward
Financial aid coming to flood evacuees as B.C. officials warn of rainy, ‘challenging’ days ahead
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Recycling centres in the Cowichan Valley will be unable to accept glass and foam packaging until further notice. (File photo)

CVRD unable to accept glass, foam packaging until further notice

Flooding has impacted transportation corridors

  • Nov 23, 2021
Recycling centres in the Cowichan Valley will be unable to accept glass and foam packaging until further notice. (File photo)
CVRD closes a number of parks and trails after record-breaking rainfall on Nov. 15. (File photo)

CVRD closes some parks and trails after record rainfall

Urges caution in those that remain open

  • Nov 23, 2021
CVRD closes a number of parks and trails after record-breaking rainfall on Nov. 15. (File photo)
Crofton mill production was due to resume Nov. 24 from a two-week curtailment. (File photo by Don Bodger)

Paper Excellence warns of potential delivery interruptions for customers

Decision on restart of Crofton mill after two-week production curtailment under review

Crofton mill production was due to resume Nov. 24 from a two-week curtailment. (File photo by Don Bodger)
CVRD extends local state of emergency after last week’s flooding to Nov. 29 as flood support efforts continue in heavily impacted areas. Pictured is Russell Farm Market at the height of the flooding. (File photo)

Cowichan Valley Regional District extends local state of emergency to Nov. 29

Flood support efforts continue in heavily impacted areas

  • Nov 22, 2021
CVRD extends local state of emergency after last week’s flooding to Nov. 29 as flood support efforts continue in heavily impacted areas. Pictured is Russell Farm Market at the height of the flooding. (File photo)
North Cowichan Coun. Christopher Justice wants clarification from Cowichan Tribes on its position on development in the Bell-McKinnon area. (File photo)

North Cowichan to meet Cowichan Tribes on Bell-McKinnon development

Questions raised about First Nations’ attitudes toward plan for area

North Cowichan Coun. Christopher Justice wants clarification from Cowichan Tribes on its position on development in the Bell-McKinnon area. (File photo)

Construction begins on supportive housing project

White Road development BC Housing’s second project in Cowichan

  • Nov 22, 2021
A Home for Hooves’ Michelle Singleton with pot belly pig Chuck. (Photo by Don Bodger)

Transfer of animals from Chemainus sanctuary to Duncan completed in October

A Home for Hooves and foster care accommodate the inhabitants

A Home for Hooves’ Michelle Singleton with pot belly pig Chuck. (Photo by Don Bodger)
Robert’s column

Robert Barron Column: Health and Wellness Centre will find its place in the community

After years of debate and controversy over where in the Cowichan Valley…

Robert’s column
Amid the muck, France Bournazel, left, and Tammy Calverley try to lighten the mood during intense ongoing clean-up from flood waters at the Russell Farm Market. (Photo by Don Bodger)

Russell Farm staff in quick clean-up mode to reopen business after flood

Volunteers pitching in to help operation get going again

Amid the muck, France Bournazel, left, and Tammy Calverley try to lighten the mood during intense ongoing clean-up from flood waters at the Russell Farm Market. (Photo by Don Bodger)
Shelley Cook (far right), executive director of the Cowichan Housing Association, receives patchwork blankets made by volunteers for the homeless from (left to right) quilters Christine Pollard, Helen Nation and Anne Brunet, associate executive director of the local branch of the Canadian Mental Health Association. (Robert Barron/Citizen)

Volunteers quilt blankets for the homeless

36 blankets made for the 36 sleeping cabins in region

Shelley Cook (far right), executive director of the Cowichan Housing Association, receives patchwork blankets made by volunteers for the homeless from (left to right) quilters Christine Pollard, Helen Nation and Anne Brunet, associate executive director of the local branch of the Canadian Mental Health Association. (Robert Barron/Citizen)
The CRCC parking lot is nearly full in Agassiz as abandoned vehicles stand ready to be picked up following the Highway 7 mudslides. (Adam Louis/Observer)

Vehicles abandoned in Hwy 7 mudslides available for pickup in Agassiz: MOTI

Pickup is available between 12 p.m. and 8 p.m., call in advance

The CRCC parking lot is nearly full in Agassiz as abandoned vehicles stand ready to be picked up following the Highway 7 mudslides. (Adam Louis/Observer)
RCMP say issues related to fireworks should be dealt with. (File photo)

Police say fireworks issues in the Valley need to be addressed

“We see lots of injuries,” RCMP Insp. Chris Bear says

RCMP say issues related to fireworks should be dealt with. (File photo)
The Trout Creek Bridge near Sasquatch Provincial Park has been destroyed by floods along Rockwell Drive this past week. Residents along the District of Kent road have been evacuated as recovery begins there and along Highway 7 outside of Agassiz. (Photo/John Coles)

Crews clear vehicles stranded on Hwy 7 early Friday morning

Dozens of vehicles towed from landslide zone remain parked in Agassiz

The Trout Creek Bridge near Sasquatch Provincial Park has been destroyed by floods along Rockwell Drive this past week. Residents along the District of Kent road have been evacuated as recovery begins there and along Highway 7 outside of Agassiz. (Photo/John Coles)
(Kevin Rothbauer/Citizen)

Hundreds gather to observe Remembrance Day in Duncan

Hundreds of citizens gathered at Charles Hoey Park in downtown Duncan the…

(Kevin Rothbauer/Citizen)
Hui Lin is the owner of Island Foot Reflexology and Body Massage, which opened three weeks ago at #103- 489 Trans-Canada Highway. (Robert Barron/Citizen)

Reflexology shop opens in Duncan

What’s going on in the Cowichan business community

Hui Lin is the owner of Island Foot Reflexology and Body Massage, which opened three weeks ago at #103- 489 Trans-Canada Highway. (Robert Barron/Citizen)
Rick Corden stands next to the new pole on Gibbins Road in front of his house that replaced one that was sheared off by a car in June. (Robert Barron/Citizen)

Long-running ICBC claim over collateral damage to his house frustrates Cowichan man

Rick Corden waiting for settlement since June after car hit power pole, blowing out his electrical

Rick Corden stands next to the new pole on Gibbins Road in front of his house that replaced one that was sheared off by a car in June. (Robert Barron/Citizen)
Large family has been displaced from their home on Tussie Road in Westholme. (Photo by Dora Edwards)

Fire displaces large family from its home

GoFundMe page started to help, especially for the children to get the essentials they need

Large family has been displaced from their home on Tussie Road in Westholme. (Photo by Dora Edwards)