Island Savings has funded a new information kiosk that was unveiled last week at the Cowichan estuary.
The $10,500 in funding for the kiosk, coupled with two summer internships to support restoration and conservation efforts in the estuary, is part of the Island Savings’s division of First West Credit Union’s larger partnership with the Cowichan Estuary Restoration and Conservation Association.
The kiosk forms the basis of the Cowichan estuary’s open-air classroom, a nature trail facility intended to educate people about the ecological importance of the area.
“As a Cowichan Valley-based cooperative, our passion is the health and vitality of Island families and communities, and this strength truly starts with a deep and meaningful connection to our natural environment,” said Randy Bertsch, president of Island Savings.
Duncan farm market looking for new vendors
The Duncan Farmers’ Market is looking for more vendors to participate in the increasingly popular weekly event in the downtown Duncan core.
Barry O’Riordan, the market’s executive director, said the market is currently seeking four to six new drop-in vendors for the summer season.
O’Riordan said the need for more vendors could arise again if the market gets the green light for its expansion plans from the City of Duncan.
“If you are a vendor with market experience and are interested in joining our market as a drop-in vendor this summer, contact me through our website (www.duncanfarmersmarket.ca) to set up an adjudication,” O’Riordan said.
Workshop aims to get input on tourism brand
Businesses and organizations in the Cowichan Valley are invited to a workshop on Aug. 2 to help “freshen up” the region’s destination brand.
The Taiji Brand Group, which has recently been awarded a contract from the Tourism Cowichan Society to develop a brand strategy to boost tourism in the Valley, will facilitate the workshop.
The workshop will seek input on a number of topics, including what kinds of visitors need to be attracted to the Valley, what brand-marketing assets are needed by local tourism stakeholders, and how the tourism website and social media can be improved.
“Tourism Cowichan has partnered with Destination BC to update our tourism brand,” said Janet Docherty, chairwoman of the TCS.
“We are at the beginning of the process and eager to gather input and ideas from people around the region,” she said.
People can register for the workshop by calling Cowichan Tourism at 250-510-5586 or email info@cowichantourism.com
robert.barron@cowichanvalleycitizen.com