The Corner House Cafe, located at 181 Jubilee St. in Duncan, was closed for the day on May 13 as the restaurant was used for filming scenes for an upcoming feature film, called Bad Day at Camp Tivoli.
A film crew from Richmond-based Miasma Productions BC Inc. spent much of the day setting up equipment in the cafe and on the sidewalks around it and began filming late in the afternoon before wrapping up at approximately 10 p.m.
Laura Jennifer Leppard, the film coordinator for Film Cowichan, said the Corner House Cafe was chosen because it was determined that the restaurant had the look that was needed for the scenes for the movie that were filmed there.
She said Miasma Productions also shot several other scenes for Bad Day at Camp Tivoli in other areas of the Cowichan Valley in subsequent days.
Jennifer Leppard said it’s hoped more film productions will come to the region this summer.
“There’s certainly more interest this year,” she said.
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A new Meltwich restaurant will be opening soon at #14 380 Trunk Rd. in Duncan, near the Starbucks location.
From decadent gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches and crispy Russet fries to satisfying poutines and monstrous burgers, Meltwich Food Co., which has locations across Canada and the U.S., offers the ultimate comfort food.
The restaurant chain was founded in 2015 in Toronto by Tom Mavrou and his wife Barb Kiss, and is considered one of the fastest-growing grilled cheese food chains in Canada.
Stay tuned for when Duncan’s Meltwich will open.
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Dr. Emir Halilagic will join the dental team at Dahlstrom Dental, located at 921 Canada Ave. in Duncan, in June.
Halilagic earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine from the University of Manitoba and is enthusiastic about all aspects of dental care.
He said he fell in love with the area's beautiful scenery during a visit to the Cowichan Valley in 2024, and has now made the valley his new home.
Dr. Joey Dahlstrom, head of Dahlstrom Dental, said she's happy to welcome Halilagic to her dental practice.
"Halilagic is now accepting new patients, so if you or someone you know is looking for a new dentist, we would love to welcome you to our growing dental family," she said.
"Please contact the office at 250-715-1880 or by email at smile@dahlstromdental.ca. We accept the government's Canadian Dental Care Plan in our office."
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Cowichan Green Community and Doom City Records are hosting a one-of-a-kind Duncan Cowichan Chamber of Commerce Mixer on June 4.
Come hang out in one of the coolest little corners of downtown Duncan at 205-330 Duncan St.
Doom City’s upstairs shop is the perfect place to kick back, sip something cold from Red Arrow Brewing, and nibble on delicious bites courtesy of Cowichan Green Community.
You’ll find friendly faces, fresh tunes, and a relaxed atmosphere that makes networking feel more like catching up with old friends.
This event also helps support something truly meaningful.
All through 2025, every cent from donated record sales at Doom City is going straight to Cowichan Green Community’s Pregnancy Food Connections Program.
There’s accessible parking behind the building, and the only thing missing is you.
The event is free for chamber members and their guests, but space is limited so don’t wait to RSVP.
The mixer starts at 5 p.m.
Register online, call 250-748-1111 or email admin@duncancc.bc.ca.
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The Shawnigan Basin Society will be holding a fundraiser at Unsworth Vineyards on May 28.
The event is intended to celebrate another successful year of watershed stewardship, and to raise funds to support the core costs of running the society, whose role is to protect and secure the long-term health and safety of the Shawnigan Lake community watershed specifically, and the South Cowichan region generally.
Unsworth has committed a very generous donation of $40 per ticket, which are $105 each, from this event to support The Shawnigan Basin Society.
“Join us for a locally inspired, three course gourmet dinner, featuring a culinary celebration of all things Vancouver Island, from a seasonally inspired menu showcasing fresh, local, sustainable ingredients,” the society said in a release.
“Enjoy unique and award-winning Unsworth wines or cocktails, which are available for purchase during the event. As well, enjoy our silent-art auction featuring wildlife and nature prints and original pieces by local artists for your viewing and bidding pleasure. Society apparel, Unsworth retail wine offerings, gift baskets and gift certificates will also be available for purchase throughout the evening.”
Tickets are available at https://unsworthvineyards.com/shop/Events.
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Destination BC is offering a free online seminar called “Welcoming the American & Canadian Visitor This Season” on May 23.
“With many Canadians and international travellers rethinking their summer plans, and fewer planning trips to the U.S., Cowichan is well-positioned to see a boost in visitors from across Canada, America, Europe, and beyond,” Destination BC said.
“It’s shaping up to be a busy season, and now is the time to get your business guest-ready.”
Participants in the seminar will gain timely tools and guidance on welcoming both domestic and cross-border guests with inclusive, informed service.
The session will cover current travel trends, product positioning, front-line service tips, and more.
The one-hour seminar begins at 10 a.m.
Register at www.eventbrite.ca/e/welcoming-the-american-canadian-visitor-this-season-tickets.
