Welcome to Lake Flashback. Reporter Sarah Simpson has been combing through old newspapers with the assistance of the Kaatza Station Museum and Archives so we can jog your memory, give you that nostalgic feeling, or just a chuckle, as we take a look at what was making headlines this week around Cowichan Lake in years gone by.
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This week around the Cowichan Lake area…
10 years ago
"Ts’uubaa-asatx preparing to raise community pole" was the top headline on the front of the Lake Cowichan Gazette of Aug. 19, 2015.
The Ts’uubaa-asatx Square totem pole has spent the last year as a major staple in the local dialogue, gaining attention for its declaration as a symbol of cooperation between the town and the local First Nation, its aspect of community involvement and the recent vandalism it was subjected to now the band is preparing for the final step in the project, and are inviting residents to take part in its raising. The raising ceremony will take place at 10 a.m. on September 5 at the Ts’uubaa-asatx Square. The 'gift to the community' will be raised in quadrants, with members of the forest industry, RCMP officers, firefighters and first responders, members of the local band and local youth all taking part."
In other positive news of the day, "River Cleanup volunteer numbers down, but so is garbage" was a page 2 headline.
"Continuing the trend that’s been present over the last few years, this year’s Cowichan River Clean-up saw less garbage being retrieved from the river than its predecessor, but as organizer Sandy Cumming explained – that’s a good thing.
"'We didn’t pull up as much garbage as last year, but that just means there’s less garbage left, less old stuff,' he said. 'But even if all we find is one can, we’ll still do it. It’s good for the community, it brings people together.'
"Organized by the Cowichan Lake and River Stewardship Society, the Cowichan River Cleanup recently took place for its seventh year in a row. The turnout of volunteers was also lower than last year’s, with 93 people spending their morning and afternoon cleaning the river, though last year’s Cowichan River Cleanup saw 106 registered volunteers take part.
"'There were pictures on TV the day before that were showing Lake Cowichan almost socked in by the smoke, so I’m surprised anybody showed up. It’s a testament to the people who live here.'"
25 years ago
"New offer for Youbou mill" was the big headline on the front of the Lake Cowichan Gazette of Aug. 23, 2000, continuing the saga.
"The Youbou mill roller coaster ride continues, says an IWA spokesman. Another potential buyer is looking at the Youbou sawmill. Rick Whiteford, an IWA plant chairman, confirmed that Vancouver-based Mill & Timber has been talking with TimberWest about purchasing the floundering mill.
"'As far as we know, Mill & Timber has been in twice,' said Whiteford. "A bid's been in at least two weeks." He said Mill & Timber is apparently interested in keeping the mill running, in addition to taking over tree farm licence 46. About 33 per cent of the timber supply for the mill has come from the TFL, with the rest coming from TimberWest's private lands.
"'These guys want to run us, which is a big plus," said White-ford. 'Yeah, there's a much better feeling about these guys. At least if they take it over, we will be working.'"
In other news of the day, "Lake Cowichan a community in bloom on the national scene" was the second front-page headline.
"Lake Cowichan is a community in bloom. Flowers, trees and shrubs have always grown in this small town on Cowichan Lake and residents have always taken pride in their community. Last week, the look and feel of the town was put to the test as two judges from Communities In Bloom toured the town Thursday. They visited parks, residential areas, businesses, even the welcome sign at the main entrance to town on their seven-hour tour."
Seven hours. Now that's a long tour!
40 years ago
"Youbou tax will soar," wrote Lexi Bainas on the front of the Lake News of Aug. 21, 1985.
"Changes in the tax assessments for the Youbou sawmill will affect all taxpayers in the Cowichan Lake district, but Youbou homeowners will be hit the hardest as their property taxes zoom up 31 per cent in two years. New legislation exempts the sawmill's machinery from taxes and the change will reduce the assessment on the B.C. Forest Products mill by about $3 million, according to John Ward, regional director for Area I, which includes Youbou.
"He said Friday that property owners in Youbou will have to pay an extra 31 per cent in taxes by the end of 1987. Half of that increase will be charged next year, and the rest added in 1987, as the assessment on machinery is reduced in two stages, Ward said."
And finally, "Drag racers well behaved" was a good news story on the front page, as well.
"Police report only one arrest directly connected to the drag boat races and alcohol. Two other alcohol-related arrests were made. Friday night police were called several times to a noisy party on Sahtlam Ave. and Saturday to a large yard party. Principal problem connected to the races was traffic congestion."
