Five North Cowichan Fire Deartment members, along with two trucks, are now in the Interior supporting BC Wildfire Service. The crews will be working with the many other fire departments from the Island and across the province as they aim to get the upper hand with the blazes currently burning.

Join us for a regional candidate information session on Aug 12, (online) at 12pm or 6pm to learn about election requirements, Council responsibilities, and the realities of elected office. No advanced registration required. For more information, visit northcowichan.ca/election #NorthCowichan

It's your weekly cart placement reminder! ⚠️Space your curbside carts 1 metre apart so the truck’s mechanical arms have room for lifting. This helps our trucks pick the carts up safely and efficiently. Learn more at northcowichan.ca/carts

Edit: We are not able to confirm what type of fluid is leaking from the vessel and have updated this post to reflect that. We are aware of a vessel off Stoney Hill leaking fluid. The Coast Guard is aware and are working with the vessel owner to secure the spill.

❗There are no lifeguard on duty at Fuller Lake Park beach on Sat., July 25 due to a staffing shortage.

🌾 Interested in supporting agriculture and food security in North Cowichan? We're seeking volunteers to join the Agricultural Advisory Committee (AgAC). Current appointments run until November 30, 2027. Apply today: northcowichan.ca/volunteer #NorthCowichan #Agriculture #FoodSecurity

If you've visited the Cowichan Aquatic Centre this week, you'll have noticed something new - security gates! These new gates will help increase safety for patrons and staff, improve the flow of customers, and those with membership cards can simply scan and head right in.

✅It’s your weekly cart placement reminder! 🔹Close the lid on collection day🔹 Overfilled carts cannot be emptied properly and may spill. Make sure your lid shuts completely for a clean and successful pick up. Learn more at northcowichan.ca/carts See less

Join us for our next regular Council meeting👉 this Wednesday at 5pm! Want to participate? You can attend the meeting in-person in Council Chambers, attend online (northcowichan.ca/virtualmeeting), or watch the live-stream. Find the agenda & live-stream link at northcowichan.ca/agendas

When a fire is in progress, every second is valuable and the extra time taken to remove obstructions could mean the difference between saving your home and losing it. ❌ Do not obstruct access to hydrants with parked vehicles ❌ Do not prop items against, or hang items off of hydrants

Municipal Forest Reserve access gates will close on July 9, restricting vehicle access to Mt Prevost, Mt Sicker and Grace Road. This closure is a proactive approach to reduce the risk of wildfires. Learn more at buff.ly/YC7klw4

Construction on Canada Ave is moving right along! As scheduled, the closure of Canada Ave in both directions, between Sherman and Philip, begins Mon. July 13. Businesses along Canada Ave are open and accessible during the closure.

You see a storage spot under the deck; we see wildfire fuel. Propane, firewood, lumber, even plastic patio furniture stored close to your home could cost you everything during a wildfire. Move combustibles at least 10m away. It's one of the most effective things you can do to protect your home.

A new exhibit at the @chemainusmuseum documents and gives voice to the Japanese Canadian community that once lived in Chemainus. None Came Back includes a display inside the museum as well as a self-guided audio walking tour of Chemainus. The museum is open daily from 9:30am to 3:30pm.

Happy Canada Day! 🍁 Municipal Hall is closed today but property taxes can be paid up until 4pm on July 2 without penalty, so don't forget to stop by tomorrow if you need to pay in person at 7030 Trans Canada Highway.

Crews are actively working to repair an emergency water main break on Maple Bay Rd between 1861 Maple Bay Rd and Westlock. Water has been turned off to many homes in the area to facilitate the repair. Thank you for your patience as crews work to restore service as quickly and safely as possible.

Celebrate Canada Day in North Cowichan!🍁 🚂 BC Forest Discovery Centre | 10am - 4:30pm: speeches at 12:45pm ⛵️ Maple Bay Canada Day parade | Andy Hutchins Park, parade steps off at 10:30am 🎶Chemainus Waterwheel Park | 11am-3pm: live music, dancers, birthday cake, & more!

⚠️Heads-up boaters in Maple Bay - the Maple Bay boat launch will be closed Wednesday, July 1 from 8am to 2pm for the Maple Bay Canada Day parade. Alternate ocean boat access can be found in Crofton and at Chemainus' Kin Beach.

Conifers like cedar, juniper, and spruce have high resin and oil content. They ignite fast and burn hot. If they're within 10 metres of your house, consider replacing them with one of these fire-resistant alternatives: • Portuguese Laurel • Boxwood • Poplar • Maple

With the province increasing the drought level for East Vancouver Island, and the increased demand we’re seeing on our water systems, North Cowichan is moving to Stage 2 water conservation measures starting tomorrow - Tuesday, June 23. Visit www.northcowichan.ca/water for full details on Stage 2.

Paddleboards. Kids' toys. The plastic chairs on your deck. These might not be the first things that come to mind as wildfire hazards, but combustibles don't have to look like firewood to put your home at risk. During wildfire season, move anything that burns at least 10 metres from your home.

Council's next regular council meeting is Wednesday at 5pm! Join the conversation; provide input on agenda items & ask questions👉 attend the meeting in-person or virtully (details at northcowichan.ca/virtualmeeting). Find the agenda & live-stream link at northcowichan.ca/meetings

Ready to make a positive environmental impact in your neighbourhood? Sign up to borrow a yellow fish painting kit! The kits are free and make a great activity for community groups, clubs, teams, or just families looking to make a difference. Request a kit today at northcowichan.ca/yellow-fish

Bears and bear cubs have been active in many of our neighbourhoods. 🗑 keep curbside carts in a secure area such as a garage or shed. 🌙 Do not leave your carts out overnight. 🧼 reduce smells by regularly cleaning your carts. 🐻 Request bear resistant carts at northcowichan.ca/carts

Wildfire season is here, and the risks aren't always obvious. Clogged gutters full of dry leaves aren't just untidy. They're the perfect landing spot for flying embers. They travel kilometres ahead of a fire front and can enter your home through vents, gaps, and open windows.

🔥 Crofton firehall is recruiting! 🔥 Interested individuals are welcome to attend our open house on Tuesday, June 16 at 7pm at the Crofton firehall (1681 Robert Street). 👨‍🚒 Apply today at northcowichan.ca/firefighter Please note that at this time, only the Crofton firehall is recruiting.

The next general local election is October 17, 2026. Visit northcowichan.ca/election/information-voters to find out: ✅ whether or not you are eligible to vote ✅ if your name is already on the list of registered electors ✅ how to register your name if it's not on the list of registered electors

⚠️ Traffic impact ⚠️ 📍Trillium Terrace, Trillium Way, Trillium Place, Wisteria Way, and Wisteria Place 📆 June - December 2026 🚧 Expect single-lane alternating traffic, temporary driveway interruptions, and periodic water service disruptions. For more information, visit northcowichan.ca/projects

TODAY! North Cowichan has developed a draft concept plan that includes an affordable housing project at the old school site at 2988 Elliott Street. Drop in any time (no presentation) to learn more. Staff & architects will be on hand to answer questions. northcowichan.ca/affordable-housing

That bark mulch under your shrubs might look tidy, but during wildfire season, it's kindling. Swapping bark mulch for gravel or crushed rock is one of the simplest FireSmart upgrades you can make. Small change. Real protection. Get prepared at firesmartbc.ca/prepare