A Serious Coffee location has opened in Lake Cowichan.
Serious Coffee is working in conjunction with the long-standing River Café on North Shore Road, and is called Serious Coffee Plus.
Operations manager Dawn Deschamps said Serious Coffee Plus brings its customers the best of both worlds; their favourite Serious Coffee brews, teas, and treats, alongside River Café’s regular dine-in breakfast and lunch menus
She said Serious Coffee Plus opened on Jan. 27, and a grand opening is planned in May after new staff are hired and the training process is complete.
“People are pretty excited with Serious Coffee Plus,” Deschamps said. “A lot of people have seen our new sign outside and are checking us out.”
Serious Coffee Plus is open seven days a week, from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Deschamps said the hours may be extended when the staff has completed training.
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Russell Farm Market and Garden Centre, located on Mt. Sicker Road in Chemainus, has closed its doors for good.
As of Feb. 7, Valley Roots Farm Market & Garden Centre, owned and operated by Jordan and Bri Dirom, took over both properties. Russell Farm Market and Garden Centre had been run largely by France Bournazel since Russell Stewart died in 2017, and she has retired.
“(Bournazel) has faced many challenges over the years and yet still came out the other side smiling and ready and willing to carry on,” Russell Farm Market and Garden Centre’s Facebook page said. “Over the past two years, we started the long and arduous task to find the right owners for the farm and market that would carry on and bring new life into it, and we are happy to announce it’s finally happened.”
The Facebook page said the time has come for Bournazel to enjoy the “fruits” of her labour, so to speak.
“She would like to thank all her family, friends and staff, present and past, and the customers that have made this all possible over the years,” the page said. “We will leave it to (Jordan and Bri Dirom) to let you know about all they have planned in the coming months. It’s exciting!”
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Cowichan Green Community has announced that Vanessa Daether will assume the role of executive director, taking over leadership from Judy Stafford, who has served as CGC’s executive director for 17 years. Daether will work alongside Stafford during a transition period until Stafford’s official retirement in May, 2025.
Cowichan Green Community said in a statement that Daether brings a wealth of experience as a scholar and practitioner of community-based research and food systems transformation.
She began her career working with agricultural, food security, and seed-saving organizations both in Canada and internationally. In 2011, Daether joined CGC to lead community food projects, fostering local food security and sustainable practices, and left in 2016 to work across business, academic, health, and non-profit sectors to address regional food challenges.
"I’m excited to return to Cowichan Green Community, a place that has always felt like home,” said Daether. “It’s an honour to follow in Judy Stafford’s footsteps and build on the incredible legacy she has created for food security and sustainability in the Cowichan region.”
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To celebrate Valentine’s Day and the Family Day weekend this year, guests at the Malahat Skywalk can take advantage of big savings with 50 per cent off the cost of admission from Feb. 14-17.
As well, kicking off on Valentine’s Day, the award-winning attraction is also pulling out all the stops with special food selections, exciting activities, and thrilling outdoor adventures.
Malahat Skywalk manager Nathan Bird said there is no better time for families and loved ones to spend quality time together, create new memories, and explore something truly unique in nature.
“Families are in for a special treat this upcoming long weekend with Malahat SkyWalk,” he said. “Staying true to our commitment of being an authentic Vancouver Island experience, we’ll be focused on all things local with an array of live music, amazing new food services, enhanced gift shop selections, and so much more.”
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The Duncan Cowichan Chamber of Commerce wants to hear from local businesses impacted by the recent American tariffs.
Executive director Sonja Nagel said the U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods are already impacting businesses across B.C., driving up costs, disrupting supply chains, and creating uncertainty across multiple industries.
She pointed out that both federal and provincial governments have responded swiftly with countermeasures.
“If your business has been impacted by these tariffs, we want to hear from you,” Nagel said. “Real stories strengthen our advocacy efforts as we work alongside the BC Chamber of Commerce, Canadian Chamber of Commerce, and national partners to protect local businesses. Stay informed by following the Duncan Cowichan Chamber of Commerce on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, or our weekly e-newsletter for ongoing updates. We’re here to support you so please don’t hesitate to reach out.”
