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
"Unified water restrictions could help alleviate low levels" was the only story on the front of the Lake Cowichan Gazette of June 10, 2015.
"With summer now in full swing, the Town of Lake Cowichan has implemented watering restrictions as a means to conserve the dwindling water supply of the town. As these watering restrictions progress this year, residents will have to become accustomed to a few changes due to a recent collaboration between Lake Cowichan and neighbouring municipalities.
"In previous years, watering restrictions were outlined by each municipality individually, meaning a resident of Lake Cowichan would have different restrictions than her neighbour in Youbou (CVRD Electoral Area I) or Honeymoon Bay. (Electorial Area F). The new collaboration between the Town of Lake Cowichan, Duncan, North Cowichan, Ladysmith, the Cowichan Valley Regional District and Cowichan Tribes has produced a unified regulation table and schedule for the communities of the Cowichan Valley."
"Town receives funds for crosswalk lighting" was a page 3 story.
"It was announced at the town’s Public Works and Environmental Services meeting last week (June 2) that the Town of Lake Cowichan would be receiving the funding necessary to install lights at two of the busiest crosswalks in town, though one councillor was displeased with how the process is being handled. The funds for the crosswalk illumination are being provided by ICBC and the Ministry of transportation, who have provided $15,000 and $5000, respectively. The crosswalks at South Shore Road and Darnell Road, near the Royal Bank of Canada, and at Ts’uubaa-asatx Square, will both be lit up by the end of the year, but the decision to use electrical power, rather than solar, proved to be controversial. 'If we’re looking to go green, is solar not the way to go?' Councillor Tim McGonigle asked. 'It’s frustrating when another government entity has power over our infrastructure.'”
25 years ago
In a disappointing turn of events, the Lake Cowichan Gazette of June 14, 2000 reported that "Lake Days [was] woefully wet."
"Like old veterans they gathered under tarps, tents and umbrellas to swap stories of soggy Lake Days past when it definitely rained and blew far worse than it did this year. It was hard to believe those recollections as the town turned out to celebrate one of the wettest Lake Days on record. The few and hardy turned out to brave pouring rain and puddles at an exceedingly soggy Centennial Park. Although between downpours most events and activities went on as scheduled, attendance to this year's festivities was way down.
"The big attractions were any events featuring a roof or any form of shelter from the relentless rain. The logger sports events carried on regardless with a loyal band of die-hards perched beneath the tarped area of the stands. The Apollo's beer garden patrons were unfazed as they consolidated under their shelter. As the time drew nigh for the crowning of the Lady of the Lake, the weather gods really pulled out all the stops and it seriously started to come down."
But, according to the front page's other headline, "Weather didn't dampen business".
"While Lake Days was a wash out at the gate, some businesses actually fared well in the monsoon-like weather last weekend. The Lake Days Society who put on the official festival are hoping they have enough in the bank to cover their bills. Riverside manager Darlene "Everything's down. The gate is just about half,' says Pat Weaver, who chairs the Lake Days Society. The official financial figures weren't in by Monday afternoon but Weaver says the concessions were down as well as gate receipts. The heavy rains kept many people indoors, which turned out to be a good thing for local eateries and pubs.
"'Actually, business was excellent. I think people had to run (into stores) for cover,' says Brent Fletcher, owner of the Shaker Mill. 'I'm quite sure all the restaurants in town, not just mine, received lots of business.'"
40 years ago
Two stories made the front page of the Lake News of June 12, 1985.
The first was "Phone study being made" and back in the day it was quite a big deal.
"A study of the feasibility of a toll-free line between Lake Cowichan, Youbou and Duncan is being conducted by B.C. Telephone Company in answer to requests from this district for a toll-free service. B.C. Tel area general Manager R. Johnston told both MP Jim Manly and MLA Barbara Wallace recently that his company will undertake such a study. The sort of service that local residents are asking for is called 'extended area service' (EAS). The criteria for extending this service include basic dependence if one community on another for services such as hospitals, schools, government services, police and fire protection, shopping and employment, according to Johnstone.
"'Youbou has such a dependence on Lake Cowichan and this has been recognized by the fact that there is already free calling between these two communities. However, as determined in earlier reviews, neither have the same dependency on Duncan.'"
The other story was titled "Special dream — special lady" and it was of course about the Lady of the Lake. Susan Kenyon wrote her account:
"Last Saturday a special dream came true for a special lady. I am sure Michele Peterson did not leave June 8, 1985, untouched in her diary. Michele Peterson is our new Lady of the Lake. There were no fire crackers and no frogs turned into princes but I am sure that moment was magical for Michele. The tension could be cut with a knife as nine girls looked forward to the final moment. All knew there could be only one big winner. In many ways, the final moment was not only anticipated but also dreaded."
