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Business notes: BC Hydro opens new electric-vehicle fast charging site in Duncan

The latest from Cowichan’s business community
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BC Hydro has opened an electric-vehicle fast charging site at the Peninsula Co-op located at 1007 Canada Ave. (BC Hydro photo)

Duncan is home to BC Hydro’s newest electric-vehicle fast charging site as the company adds to its growing network of more than 100 public fast chargers in B.C.

“We are working to make it easier for drivers in B.C. to go electric and take advantage of B.C.’s clean, reliable and affordable hydroelectricity,” said Bruce Ralston, minister of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation.

“Duncan is an important location in our fast-charging network as we complete B.C.’s Electric Highway and accelerate toward our CleanBC goals.”

The new site in Duncan opened Sept. 23 and is located at the Peninsula Co-op at 1007 Canada Ave.

The site includes one 100-kilowatt charging unit which can add 100 kilometres of driving to an average electric vehicle in about 10 minutes.

There is also one 50-kilowatt charging unit which can add 50 kilometres of driving to an average electric vehicle in about 10 minutes.

“As the primary fuel supplier for electric vehicles, we are building out charging infrastructure to ensure we can accommodate the volume and variety of electric vehicles that will be on B.C. roads in the coming years,” said Chris O’Riley, president and CEO of BC Hydro.

“BC Hydro will add 325 charging units to its network at 145 sites within the next five years.”

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Unsworth Vineyards’ popular Community Supported Restaurant program is back and better than ever thanks to member and guest feedback that will make it accessible for everyone.

Chef Maartyn Hoogeveen and his team will once again be working with local farmers to prepare five three-course dinners for CSR members, which are redeemable between Oct. 12, 2022 and April 2, 2023.

Memberships are now available for $275 plus tax and gratuity.

Starting Oct. 12, Unsworth Vineyards will be offering a weekly three-course CSR menu feature at a reduced price for all guests during dinner service.

Guests can order the three-course meal or individually.

CSR members no longer need to book their program dinners in advance.

Follow Unsworth on Instagram or Facebook for previews of the weekly menu.

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The Duncan Cowichan Chamber of Commerce and the Cowichan Regional Visitor Centre are welcoming Tourism Cowichan for Tourism Tuesdays (held on Tuesdays, of course) during the month of October.

Pop by the visitor centre, located at 2896 Drinkwater Rd., to meet in-person with Martina Morgan, marketing and engagement coordinator with Tourism Cowichan.

This is an open invitation to any business owner in the region, current and non-stakeholders.

You can book in advance with Morgan at martina@tourismvi.ca or just stop in for a coffee, conversation, and some of Cowichan’s best baked goods.

Tourism Tuesdays are free and run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Tuesdays in October.

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In other chamber news, the chamber is hosting a mix and mingle at Chances Cowichan, located at 436 Cowichan Way, on Oct. 5.

Chamber members and guests are invited to join Chances Cowichan for games, refreshments and appetizers from 5:50 p.m. to 7 p.m.

There will be door prizes and a business card draw for a chance to win a gift basket.

Admission is free for chamber members and guests.

Register online on the chamber’s website, call 250-748-1111 or email chamber@duncancc.bc.ca.

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As well, the chamber is hosting a roast for North Cowichan Mayor Al Siebring who is retiring after the upcoming municipal elections.

The chamber is inviting people to a fun-filled evening on Oct. 20, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., of happy memories and maybe a few embarrassing stories with Siebring at the Cowichan Golf Club before he heads to Alberta.

A gourmet buffet dinner will be served, including salads, roasted veggies, beef and salmon, or vegetarian main courses, desserts, tea and coffee.

A cash bar will be available throughout the evening.

Email chamber@duncancc.bc.ca with any dietary restrictions.

People can register online on the chamber’s website, call 250-748-1111 or email to reserve your spot.

The cost is $75 plus tax per ticket, and $575 plus tax for a table of eight seats.

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A new business called Mike Grow Greens which grows organic microgreens and produce has opened up to serve customers in the Youbou and Lake Cowichan areas.

Besides being really tasty and easy to add to just about anything, pea shoot, radish and broccoli and other microgreens grown by the business contain many vitamins, minerals, and enzymes and are incredibly nutritious.

The produce, which is grown using ecologically friendly practices, is perfect for sandwiches, wraps, stir fries, soups, salads, juices, smoothies and much more.

Once you are signed up with the company and have decided what you would like to receive each week, staff begin growing fresh microgreens just for you.

The day before your scheduled delivery, you will receive a text or email to remind you to put out a cooler by your front door.

The next day, your produce will be delivered fresh to your home.

People from Mike Grow Greens will be at the Honeymoon Bay farmers’ market on Saturdays and at the Youbou market on Sundays to meet the public and explain the business.

Check out the website at mikegrowgreens.ca for more information.



robert.barron@cowichanvalleycitizen.com

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Robert Barron

About the Author: Robert Barron

Since 2016, I've had had the pleasure of working with our dedicated staff and community in the Cowichan Valley.
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