Cowichan Cremation and Burial Services has recently set up shop at 235 Kenneth Ave. in Duncan, across from the Habitat for Humanity’s ReStore.
Funeral director and owner Joe Flannery, who has almost 40 years experience in the industry and worked at a number of other funeral homes in the Cowichan Valley, said he felt it’s time to set up his own business.
He said that Cowichan Cremation and Burial Services will be the fourth funeral business in operation in the region, but as up to 900 deaths a year occur in the Cowichan Valley, he thinks there’s enough of a market share here for his business to do well.
Flannery said what makes Cowichan Cremation and Burial Services different from other operations in the area is that it puts more of an emphasis on mobile services, in that he is willing to visit the homes of clients to prepare the funeral arrangements to make them more comfortable, and will deliver the cremated remains of their loved ones if asked.
“We do cremations and burials, as well as viewings and small services for small groups at our location,” he said.
Flannery said that currently, about 80 per cent of funerals in the region involve cremations, while approximately 20 per cent are burials.
He said many local First Nation families prefer burials, and Cowichan Cremation and Burial Services offers personalized services that are sensitive to their cultural needs, as well as the cultural and other needs of all of his clients.
Flannery said he also wants to expand to green burials, in which a body is prepared for burial without embalming and buried in a biodegradable shroud and a simple container or casket made from natural fibres, which are becoming increasingly popular.
“Our team is patient, compassionate, professional and are available 24/7, via email (cowichancbs@gmail.com) or phone (250-701-6753),” he said.
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The Hawaiian-themed Aloha Bowls and Kahuna Burger restaurants on Kenneth Street in downtown Duncan have permanently closed.
The restaurants, which were owned by Ajay Oppelaar and Robert Stutzman, opened in 2021, and Kahuna Burger had been voted by its customers as having the “Best Burger” in the Cowichan Valley three consecutive years since then in the Cowichan Valley Citizen’s annual “Best of the Valley” competition.
“Unfortunately, the sales at Aloha Bowls and Kahuna Burger were just not enough to pay for our staff and the overhead,” Stutzman said. “It’s really just a matter of pure economics, but we’re pleased that we made such a positive impact on the food scene in the Cowichan Valley.”
However, the partners are keeping their Hawaiian-themed restaurant Kahuna in Victoria, which celebrated its first anniversary in November, open. In their first year at Victoria’s Kahuna, which is located at 515 Chatham St, they received a steady 4.9 out of five rating on Google and repeat customers.
They also built a strong working relationship with neighbouring business Herald Street Brew Works where one can order food off their Kahuna menu which is then brought over to the pub.
“We will honour any gift cards that people have for either Aloha Bowls and Kahuna Burger at Victoria’s Kahuna,” Stutzman said.
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In other restaurant news, the BarBurrito restaurant chain, which recently opened its first location in the Cowichan Valley at Unit 3, 5832 Trans Canada Hwy., in Duncan, has partnered with professional basketball players, Kelly Olynyk and Gradey Dick to launch two exclusive menu items: the "Classic Kelly" and the "Hungry Gradey."
From now until April 30, $1 from every sale of these limited-edition burritos will be donated to Buckets & Borders, a Canadian non-profit dedicated to fostering community and connection through basketball.
BarBurrito will be matching these donations, with a minimum donation of $25,000.
Buckets & Borders' not-for-profit initiatives are dedicated to improving communities and bringing people together by restoring outdoor basketball courts, telling impactful stories, and working collaboratively with communities to make the greatest long term impact. The funds raised in the campaign will be allocated to Buckets & Borders' campaign to complete 25 basketball court restorations by the end of 2025.
"At BarBurrito, we believe in creating meaningful connections with the communities we serve, with each franchise being locally owned and operated," says Colette MacLean, BarBurrito’s VP of marketing. "Partnering with Olynyk and Gradey, and Buckets & Borders takes our mission to the next level, bringing people together and giving back in a tangible way."
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Join the Duncan Cowichan Chamber of Commerce for a free luncheon on Jan. 23 hosted by the Clements Centre for Families, exclusively for chamber members. This event, which runs from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Clements Centre at 5856 Clements Rd., is your chance to learn about the Supported Employment Program and its potential to transform workplaces by empowering businesses to hire and support employees with developmental disabilities.
“Enjoy a delicious meal while exploring how inclusive hiring can boost productivity, foster stronger community connections, and create lasting positive impacts,” the chamber said. “This luncheon is also a fantastic opportunity to exchange ideas with like-minded business leaders and collaborate on ways to make inclusion part of your business strategy. Your voice matters. Help shape the future of inclusive hiring in the Cowichan region."
Seats are limited, so don’t miss out. RSVP today to secure your spot. Register online, call 250-748-1111 or email chamber@duncancc.bc.ca.
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In other chamber news, chamber members and guests are invited to join certified-reinvention associate Ingrid Vaughan on Jan. 28 at the next free “Ask there Experts” event for a dynamic session on business reinvention, a cutting-edge approach to strategy designed to help businesses adapt, innovate, and excel in uncertain times.
The business landscape is changing at lightning speed, and the chamber asks "will your business rise to the challenge, or risk falling behind"?
“The secret to thriving in today’s fast-paced world is reinvention; being agile, change-ready, and turning disruption into opportunity,” the chamber said. “Don’t just survive, thrive in a fast-paced, ever-evolving world. This is your chance to discover how reinvention can shape the future of your business.”
The event will be held at the Cowichan Regional Visitor Centre from noon to 1 p.m. Register online, call 250-748-1111 or email chamber@duncancc.bc.ca.
