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The Tube Shack takes home 2021 Business of the Year Award in Lake Cowichan

Cowichan Lake District Chamber of Commerce held annual awards banquet on Oct. 29
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The Tube Shack, the successful Lake Cowichan business that brings thousands of tubers to the community every summer, took home the prestigious 2021 Business of the Year Award at the 22nd annual Cowichan Lake District Chamber of Commerce’s Business & Community Excellence Awards.

Tube Shack owner Aaron Frisby, who won a seat on the Town of Lake Cowichan’s council table in the municipal elections in October, had other commitments for the evening, but a number of his staff were present to accept the award on his behalf at the awards banquet on Oct. 29.

He said The Tube Shack has always tried to do its best for the community, economy and environment, and the award is a great recognition of that.

“It’s sounds cliche, but this award is due solely to the employees of the business who have strived to make Lake Cowichan awesome to all that have visited for the last 12 years,” he told the Gazette.

Keith Nelson, the owner of Countrywide Realty, was presented with the 2021 Lifetime Achievement award at the banquet.

Nelson, who grew up in Lake Cowichan, has dedicated his time volunteering with the Cowichan Lake & District Minor Hockey Association, sat on the executive board of the Island Motocross Association, was an active hockey coach throughout his three sons’ hockey careers, and has also served as a director of the Cowichan Valley Regional District Parks committee for Area I.

Andrew Braye, who is the man behind Lake Cowichan’s weekly treasure hunts, was named Citizen of the Year at the banquet.

Chamber president Brent Clancy said Braye’s treasure hunts are very popular among the kids in the community, and many local businesses, including The Tube Shack, have stepped up to support it by covering the costs of toys and other supplies.

“Andrew is a spectacular person and the business community was more than happy to name him 2021’s Citizen of the Year,” Clancy said.

Clancy said approximately 60 people attended the banquet, which is a good turnout for the awards ceremony.

He said that the format had changed a little this year in that those who were honoured at the banquet were informed beforehand, so there were no big surprises in the room.

“These annual awards ceremonies are super important because they recognize people, many of whom are pillars of the community, for their work and efforts on behalf of the people in Lake Cowichan,” Clancy said.

“Some of these people are elderly so the banquets are an opportunity to recognize them while they are still with us. Many businesses are also recognized for their achievements and I really enjoy seeing how happy everyone is to be acknowledged for their contributions to the community.”

Other award winners at the banquet include:

• 2021 Volunteer Community Service Award: Kinsmen/Kinette Clubs of Lake Cowichan

• 2021 Excellence in Customer Service Award: The Lake Mercantile

• 2021 Above and Beyond Award: Cowichan Lake Trail Blazers Society & Cowichan Lake Community Forest Cooperative



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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