Cowichan Station

If you turn off the highway onto Koksilah Road south of Duncan, and head inland toward the Koksilah River, you'll come to Cowichan Station.

It's a pretty drive through rolling farmland, along a narrow road shaded by tall deciduous and evergreen trees but, if you're looking for a village with a main street, shops and a traditional community center, you won't find it here.  Not that there weren't once all of these things, but time has moved on and the area has changed.  If you spend even a little time in Cowichan Station, though, you'll discover that, town center or no town center, there is still a strong sense of community in this place.

Like many places in Canada, Cowichan Station owes its origins to the railroad.  In our automobile centered, road-travel-based modern culture, it's easy to forget how important railroads were, but in the time before car travel was common, when roads were often little more than trails, the terrain rough, rivers often unbridged, and forests unhewn, railroads were - quite literally - the lifeline for rural communities.  Every material not produced within a community was transported in by rail, and virtually every material a community produced for trade was transported out the same way. 

In Cowichan Station the railroad provided service not only to local settlers, but also to logging and copper mining operations at Mt. Sicker and Mt. Prevost.  

In 1859, a trading post was built where present-day Cowichan Station now exists, to serve workers building the E & N Railway line.  The railway station was opened in 1887, on land owned by Donald McPherson, and was named after him.  The station was soon followed by the Central Hotel, the Cowichan Hotel, a post office, a blacksmith shop, a community hall, and a quarry.  

In 1896, with the advent of Canada Post, a naming conflict arose and the community's name was officially changed from McPherson's to Cowichan Station.

The years before World War I were Cowichan Station's boom years, seeing the village grow to encompass two general stores, two real estate offices, two Chinese
laundries, a smithy,

a shoe maker, a hardware store, a doctor, two boarding houses and two churches (one Anglican and one Methodist).  

Sadly, a fire destroyed much of the town in 1911, and a second fire burned down both hotels in 1924.

The depression took a further toll on Cowichan Station and in the ensuing years, as road travel became more common and commerce shifted to different parts of the valley, the village diminished to just a general store and post office. Both of these were closed in the 1980's.

Why, then, has Cowichan Station remained an active community when so many others in similar circumstances have faded away?

In part, it continues because of a fortunate combination of fertile agricultural land and clement weather.  A great many different crops can be grown in Cowichan Station, including wine grapes and market produce.  There are dairy farms in the area too, and the community remains closely connected to its farming roots.

The area boasts several beautiful attractions - Bright Angel Park, Kinsoll Trestle, historic St. Andrews Church, and the Koksilah River - that draw both Cowichan residents and tourists to visit.  




Mostly, though, Cowichan Station has survived as a community because of its residents, who take tremendous pride in their community and its history.  They have great optimism about its future.  

Cowichan Station will be holding its annual general meeting tomorrow (April 12), followed by a 125th birthday bash. Both events will be held in their new community center, The Hub.

In 2011, Cowichan Station Area Association signed a lease with the school board for the then-vacant Cowichan Station School buildings and grounds.  Envisioned as a new center for the community, work began (largely through volunteer labour and fundraising) to restore the school building to its original heritage character while providing spaces for arts and culture work, teaching spaces, and gallery spaces.  Now operational, The Hub will be used for youth recreation, cultural and theater activities, community recreation (both indoors and out), and an emergency shelter, should the need arise.

It's great to see community pride taking such a tangible form, and it's one of many things I love about Cowichan. Our citizens rock!

If you're in the area tomorrow (April 12), stop by the Hub to say hello and to congratulate Cowichan Station residents on the wonderful outcome of their time, effort, and community spirit.

If you'd like more information on Cowichan Station, its history, or The Hub, you can find it on the Cowichan Station Area Association website.

Information for this post was sourced here:

• http://www.vancouverisland.com/Regions/towns/?townID=4147
• http://cowichanstation.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/CSAA_HUB_-business_plan_updated_Jan_20133.pdf
• http://cowichanstation.org/history-of-cowichan-station/

What's Up? A List of Events in Cowichan

Spring has arrived in Cowichan and we're surrounded by blossoms.  The mild weather and beautiful scenery is inspiring us to get out and enjoy the many activities on offer.

Here's what's happening in our area this week.  

I'm always glad to hear more about what's happening in the Cowichan Valley. If you have a community event you'd like added to the calendar, send me an email with the details.  I'll be happy to share it here.*

• Ongoing – Penny Drive fundraiser for MS Support Group. Drop off your pennies at the MS Society office or at Market Palooza on Canada Ave, Duncan
• Ongoing – Penny Drive fundraiser in support of four food banks, Wavaw, & The Salvation Army, News Leader Pictorial office, 2-5380 Trans Canada Highway, Duncan
• Ongoing – Frances Kelsey student art show, Whiskey Point Grill, Mill Bay
• Ongoing until April 14 – Upper Island Music Festival. Info, http://www.nanaimomusicfestival.com
• Ongoing until April 12 – Escape Artists annual show “A Nature Walk,” Loft Gallery, Mill Bay
• March 8 – April 12 – MS Walk fundraiser book and chocolate sale, Team ScotiaBank Striders, Bank of Nova Scotia, Duncan
• Ongoing until April 30 – Call for volunteers, Somenos Marsh Wildlife Society. If you are interested in helping out, contact the society at 250-732-0462
• March 26 – May 8, 3:50 – 5:00 p.m. – Somantics Yoga class, Duncan Wellness Center, 303-80 Station St.  Info, (250) 748-6600.
• April 5 – 7 – Be a Wine Tourist On Your Own Island, an event organized by Cowichan Wine and Culinary Festival.  Info and tickets, http://wines.cowichan.net/
• April 5, 2:00 - 4:30 p.m. - Brentwood Mill Bay Ferry Advisory Committee meeting, Kerry Park Recreation Center, 1035 Shawnigan-Mill Bay Rd.  Members of the public are welcome to attend the meeting.  If you have any questions or concerns you wish to raise with the committee or with BC Ferries, please contact the chair of the committee in advance of the meeting.  Info, (250) 652-1260
• April 5, 7:00 pm. - "The Cagebirds," Queen Margaret's School Fine Arts Hall.  Info 250-746-4185
• April 5 - 7, 8:00 p.m. – Buddy, The Buddy Holly Story, Chemainus Theate
• April 6, all day - Duncan Farmers' Market, City Square, Duncan
• April 6 & 7 - Shawnigan Gathering Two Day Event.  Info, georgia@shawniganwatershedroundtable.ca
• April 6, 9:00 a.m. – Live at the Metropolitan Opera in HD, broadcast live from New York, “Rigoletto.” Info, www.cowichantheatre.bc.ca
• April 6, 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. - Paw Up MS Walk team garage sale and penny drive, 5811 Wilson Ave.  To donate, call Sharon at 250-746-8126
• April 6, 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. – Elks Club fundraiser Garage Sale and Barbecue, Chemainus RV Club and Resort, 3042 River Rd.
• April 6, 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. - Cowichan Storm Women's Field Lacrosse free introductory clinic, Ages 8 to 13.  Info, tammyknowles@hotmail.com
• April 6 & 7, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. – Rocky Mountain Demo Tour.  Test ride a Rocky Mountain bike and meet RMB riders Wade Simmons, Geoff Gulevich and Andreas Hestler.  Info, (250)597-0097
• April 6, 11:00 a.m. - Kin Park Urban Farm grand opening ceremony, Duncan.  Info, 250-746-8506
• April 6, 11:30 a.m - 12:30 p.m. - Cowichan Storm Women's Field Lacrosse free introductory clinic, Ages 14+. Info, tammyknowles@hotmail.com
• April 6, 11:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. – Team Evans MS Walk fundraiser hotdog sale at WalMart
• April 6, 12:00 noon - 7:00 p.m. - Casting call for extras for the filming of Spooksville, Duncan Travelodge.  All ages and ethnicities welcome.
• April 6, 1:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. - Two shows,  "The Cagebirds," Queen Margaret's School Fine Arts Hall.  Info 250-746-4185
• April 6, 2:00 p.m. - Kelly's Dancers, Chemainus 55+ Drop In Center tea and entertainment, by donation.
• April 6, 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. – Coloured pencil techniques demonstration by Lawrence Bellows, Loft Gallery, Mill Bay
• April 6, 6:00 p.m. – Beer and Burger for the Brain, a fundraiser for Curt Knippleburg, Oak and Carriage Pub
• April 6, 7:00 p.m. – Cowichan Folk Guild Youth Jammers, Island Oak High School, 5814 Banks Rd, North Cowichan
• April 7 - Sunday Tea & Talk at Tea Farm.  Info, www.teafarm.ca
• April 7, 10:00 a.m. – Island Cup Mountain Bike series 2013 Maple Mountain XC. Info, http://www.raceonline.ca/
• April 7, 2:00 - 5:00 p.m. - Pat Coleman Trio, Crofton Hotel
• April 7, 7:00 p.m. - Brentwood Jazz Band and Hot Velvet Jazz Trio, St. John the Baptist Anglican Church, 3295 Cobble Hill Rd.  Info, 250-743-3095
• April 8 (and every Monday through May 13) – Say, Sign and Play baby sign language course, Fuller Lake Arena. Info, 250-246-3811
• April 8 (and every Monday for 10 weeks), 9:00 a.m. – Parent-child Mother Goose at various locations throughout the Cowichan Valley.  Information, Margaret Moss Health Center, 250-709-7050.
• April 8 (and every Monday through May 27) 11:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. –Cowichan Seniors Community Program brain fitness program, Cobble Hill Youth Hall, Watson Ave. Info, 250-715-6481
• April 9, 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. - Coping with Transitions in Dementia Caregiving; Dimensions of Loss and Grief, a free seminar offered by the Alzheimer Society of BC at Providence Farm, 1843 Tzouhalem Rd.  To register call, 1-800-462-2833.
• April 10 - Cowichan Readers Theater, 261 Southshore Rd., Lake Cowichan.  Info, 250-749-3728
• April 10, 1:00 - 3:30 p.m. - Somenos Women's Institute and DUC Circle of Friends Fun and Fancy Spring Fashion Show, Duncan United Church.  Proceeds to the Somenos Women's Institute bursary fund.  Duncan United Church.  Info, 250-597-7372
• April 10, 17 & 24, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.  - Grow Food with Joy! Onside Gardening Classes.  Info, 25-743-1352 or growfood@shaw.ca
• April 10 - 13, 7:30 p.m. -  "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee" presented by Cowichan Secondary Performing Arts, The Neighbourhood Playhouse, 675 Considine, Maple Bay.  Info, www.brownpapertickets.com/event/304020
• April 11, 4:00 - 11:00 p.m. - Opening reception for "Intersections," photography show by Cowichan photographer Paul Fletcher, Old Firehouse Wine Bar, downtown Duncan.  Info, 250-732-0462
• April 11, 6:30 – 9:00 p.m. – 3rd Annual Spring Fling fashion show, Ladysmith Little Theater.  Proceeds to benefit Ladysmith Little Theater Building Fund.
• April 11 – 13, 7:30 p.m. – Shawnigan Lake School presents “Hairspray,” Cowichan Theatre, www.cowichantheatre.bc.ca
• April 12 – 14 – West Coast Men’s Support Society men’s initiation weekend, Shawnigan Lake. Info, 250-597-2801
• April 12 - Scotia Bank Striders MS Walk team book and chocolate sale, at the branch
• April 12, 6:30 p.m. - Cowichan Station's 125th Birthday Celebration, AGM, official ribbon cutting and dance, The Hub, 2375 Koksilah Rd.
• April 12, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. and April 13 & 14, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. - Intro to Permaculture- Designing Your Own Property.  Info, nora@cowichangreencommunity.org
• April 12, 8:00 p.m. - Om Chanti Kirtan with Karen Allen and Friends, Harmony Yoga, 201-111 Station St.  Info, 250-701-0360
• April 13 - VI Karate Championships, Multi-Purpose Hall, Island Savings Centre.  Info, 250-748-9111
• April 13, 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. - Cowichan Storm Women's Field Lacrosse free introductory clinic, Ages 8 to 13.  Info, tammyknowles@hotmail.com
• April 13, 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. - Cowichan Valley Garden Club flower show and plant sale, Duncan United Church Hall, 246 Ingram St.
• April 13, 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. - Clothing swap fundraiser for MS Society, Matraea Center, 170 Craig St.  To donate, please call Nika at 250-710-7339
• April 13, 11:30 a.m - 12:30 p.m. - Cowichan Storm Women's Field Lacrosse free introductory clinic, Ages 14+. Info, tammyknowles@hotmail.com
• April 13, 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. - "All The Dirt" authors will speak about their organic gardening book, Ten Old Books, 330 Duncan St.
• April 13, 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. - Open mic night, Coffee on the Moon, 501 Canada Ave.
• April 13, 5:30 p.m. – Duncan Cowichan Chamber of Commerce Black Tie Awards, Duncan Travelodge, 140 Trans Canada Highway.
• April 13, 7:00 p.m. - The Jug Bandits presented by Cowichan Folk Guild, Duncan United Church.
• April 13, 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. – Cowichan Valley Whisky Festival, Oceanfront Suites at Cowichan Bay. Proceeds to Daybreak Rotary Club projects. Tickets and information, http://cvwhiskyfest.ca or (250) 710-2908
• April 13, 8:00 p.m. - Orkestar Slivonica, Balkan brass band, Duncan Garage Showroom
• April 14, 2:30 p.m. – Palm Court Light Orchestra presents “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” Cowichan Theatre. Info, www.cowichantheatre.bc.ca
• April 14, 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. - Open mic night at Coffee on the Moon, 501 Canada Ave.
• April 15, 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. - Birds Eye Cove Farm Monday Pizza Night season opener.  Picnic style, rain or shine.  Info, 250-748-6379
• April 15, 7:30 p.m. – Randy Bachman’s Vinyl Tap Tour: Every Song Tells a Story, Cowichan Theatre. Info, www.cowichantheatre.bc.ca
• April 16, 7:00 p.m. - Cowichan Bay Improvement District AGM, Cowichan Bay Fire Hall
• April 17 - 20 - Aboriginal Film and Art Festival.  Info, 250-746-7930
• April 17, 11:30 a.m. - Chemainuss 55+ Drop In Center, soup and sandwich with entertainment by Centre Belles ladies choir.  Admission, $5.00
• April 17, 1:00 - 2:00 p.m. - Teatime in the Preschool - Open house at Sunrise Waldorf School. Register, 250-743-7253
• April 17, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. - Couples/Birth Partner Prenatal Yoga Workshop with Sadie Bartram, Matraea Center, 170 Craig St.  Info, 250-748-2089
• April 17 – 20, 7:30 p.m. – “Up the Down Staircase,” T Gil Bunch Centre, Brentwood College
• April 18, 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. - Workout and wine gala, ladies only, Enrico Vineyards, 3280 Telegraph Rd., 250-748-9863
• April 18, 5:30 - 9:00 p.m. - Ladies Night in Cowichan Bay plus fashion show, Cow Cafe, Cowichan Bay.
• April 18, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. - Beginners acting class begins at Fuller Lake Arena.  Info and registration, 250-246-3811
• April 18, 7:00 p.m. - Artist's talk by Cowichan photographer Paul Fletcher, Old Firehouse Wine Bar.  Info, 250-732-0462
• April 18 - 20, 7:30 p.m. - "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee" presented by Cowichan Secondary Performing Arts, The Neighbourhood Playhouse, 675 Considine, Maple Bay.  Info, www.brownpapertickets.com/event/304020
• April 19, 6:30 - 9:30 p.m. - Hilary's Cheese presents Cheddar and Blues, with master cheese cutter Don Genova and music by Wayne Kozak Trio, Oceanfront Suites Hotel, Cowichan Bay.  Info and reservations, 250-748-5992
• April 19, 7:30 p.m. – Victoria Ballet presents “The Secret Garden,” Cowichan Theatre. Info, www.cowichantheatre.bc.ca
• April 20, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon - Parents Unite garage sale, Island Savings Center.  Info, 250-746-0405
• April 20 & 21, 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. - Small Scale Veggie Gardening, Instructor Nick Versteeg.  Register at VIU Cowichan Campus, 250-746-3519
• April 20, 9:30 - 11:00 a.m. - Chemainus 55+ pancake breakfast.  $5.00
• April 20, 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. - Tansor Elementary School spring market, 3594 Auchinachie Rd.  Proceeds to Tansor Parent Group for a new Playground
• April 20, 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. - Earth Day Celebration presented by Cowichan Green Community, Charles Hoey Park (Downtown Duncan)
• April 20, 2:00 & 4:00 p.m. - Local Bees info lunch session with entomologist Gord Hutchings, part of the Earth Day celebrations at Merridale Farm, 1230 Merridale Rd., 250-743-4293
• April 20, 5:30 p.m. - Snout to Tail Sustainability Dinner with chefs' presentations between the courses.  Reservations recommended.  Merridale Bistro, 250-743-4293
• April 21 and 22 – Earth Day celebrations in Chemainus
• April 21- 27 - National Volunteer Week
• April 21, 10:00 a.m. - Island Cup Mountain Bike series cross country ride. Info, http://www.cowichancycles.com/
• April 21, 10:00 a.m. - Cobble Hill Classic mountain bike race.  Registration 10:00 - 11:30 a.m.  Race beings at noon.
• April 21, 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. - Annual Stinging Nettle Festival, Alderlea Farm.  Info, johnkaty@shaw.ca
• April 21, 12:00 noon - 2:00 p.m. - Burning of the vines ceremony, Unsworth Vineyard and Amuse on the Vineyard.  Info, 250-743-3667
• April 22, 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. - Annual Cowichan fitness challenges begins. Continuing April 24, 25, 29, and May 1, 2, 6, 8, 9, 13, 15, 16, Cowichan Sportsplex.  Info, http://www.cowichansportsplex.com/so-you-wanna-play-we-can-help/
• April 22, 7:00 p.m. - Reel Alternatives "Beasts of the Southern Wild," Cowichan Theatre, 2687 James St.
• April 23 & 24, 1:30 - 7:15 p.m. - Blood donor clinic, Heritage Hall, Island Savings Centre
• April 23, 7:00 p.m. - "What Makes a Slide Show" with photographer Pat Haugen, Hardwick Hall, Ladysmith.  $5.00 drop in fee
• April 23, 7:30 - 9:30 p.m. - Evalyn Parry performs Spin, ArtSpring, 100 Jackson Ave, Saltspring Island.
• April 25 - 28, 10:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. - Cowichan Valley Fine Arts Show,  Island Savings Centre
• April 25, 12:00 noon - 6:00 p.m. - Blood donor clinic, Heritage Hall, Island Savings Centre
• April 26 - May 18, various times - Delicious Lies, Chemainus Theatre Festival.  Info, www.chemainustheatre.ca
• April 26 - 28, all day - Brentwood Regatta, Brentwood College, Mill Bay.  Info, http://regatta.brentwood.bc.ca
• April 26- 28, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. - Ladysmith inaugural self guided Spring Art studio tour.  Info, 250-245-1252
• April 26 - 28, 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. - Cowichan Valley Artisans annual studio tour event.  Info, www.cowichanvaleyartisans.com
• April 27, 9:00 a.m. – Live at the Metropolitan Opera in HD, broadcast live from New York, Handel’s “Guilio Cesare,” Cowichan Theatre, Info, www.cowichantheatre.bc.ca
• April 27, 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. - St Ann's plant sale and farm garage sale, Providence Farm, 1843 Tzouhalem Rd.
• April 27, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. - Fall and Winter Gardening, instructor Linda Gilkeson.  Register VIU Cowichan Campus, 250-746-3519
• April 27, 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. - Wild food forage experience with renown chef, author and mycologyst Bill Jones of Deerholm Farm.  Info, 250-748-7450
• April 29 (and the last Monday of every month), 1:00 p.m. - Parkinsonís Support Group, Duncan United Church
• May 4, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. – Cowichan Valley Garden Fair, Cowichan Exhibition Grounds. Info, Twitter - @CowGardenFair.com or www.CowichanValleyGardenFair.com
• May 4, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. - Kids Learn to Fish Day, Chemainus Lake.  Info, 250-743-8070
• May 5, 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. – 4th Annual Hike for Hospice, Providence Farm. Info, 250-701-4242
• May 5 (and every Sunday through Oct. 6) 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. - South Cowichan Farmers' Market, 4485 Trans Canada Highway at Koksilah Rd.
• May 10 - 12, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. - Go to the Dogs Weekend hosted by Tyee Kennel Club, Cowichan Exhibition Grounds.  Info, 250-746-6560
• May 11 - Queen Margaret's School Spring Classic Barn Dance and Auction.  Info, barndance@qms.bc.ca
• May 11, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. - South Cowichan Treasure Hunt.  Info, 250-743-3566
• May 11, 12:00 noon – Literacy North Cowichan fundraising golf tournament, dinner, and silent auction, Cowichan Golf and Country Club. Golf and dinner $100. Dinner only $40. Tickets at LNC office, 213B Cowichan Merchants' Building, corner of Station and Craig; or from any director; or at the Cowichan Golf Club.
• May 12, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. - Mothers' Day Brunch and Tea Garden in the Vineyard, Amuse on the Vineyard, 2915 Cameron Taggert Rd..  Info and reservations, 250-743-3667
• May 15 - Cord Lund and the Hurtin' Albertans, Cowichan Theater.  Info, www.cowichantheatre.bc.ca
• May 17 – 19 – 11th Annual Kitty Coleman Woodland Art and Bloom Festival fine arts and quality crafts show. Info, http://woodlandgardens.ca/
• May 19, 9:00 a.m. - Island Cup Mountain Bike series Mount Prevost Downhill. Info, http://www.cowichancycles.com/
• June 1 & 2 - Cowichan Lake Home and Leisure Show.  Registration and info, www:lakehomeshow.ca
• June 6 - Chemainus Giant Street Market.  Application forms http://chemainus.bc.ca
• June 9, 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. - Cowichan Family Life 19th annual garden tour.
• July 6 to July 7 - Grape Escape Bike Tour to End MS. Info, 250-748-7010
• July 14, 8:00 a.m. - Cowichan Challenge Triathalon.  Info, http://www.ceevacs.com/ceevacs-races/cowichan-challenge/
• July 27, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. - Lavenderfest, Dimali Lavendar Farm, 3500 Telegraph Rd.  Info, 250-743-4100
• August 25 – Art on the Avenue artists’ show and sale, downtown Ladysmith

The final stage of median installation is now underway on the Malahat Drive. Watch for road construction and expect some delays. Be careful out there!

Volunteer Cowichan is looking for Friendly Visitors.  The program connects and isolated or lonely senior in the community with a Friendly Visitor.  Info, 250-748-2133

-----------------------------------------

*Listings will be posted at my discretion.  I reserve the right to omit or exclude listings deemed unsuitable for my audience or inappropriate in content.