A number of Tom Hortons locations in the Cowichan Valley raised more than $20,000 for two local charities during this year’s Spring Smile Cookie campaign, which was held from April 28 to May 4.
Restaurant officials recently handed two cheques of $10,874 each to Nourish Cowichan, which is dedicated to providing nutritious school-based meals to the children of the Cowichan Valley, and the Clements Centre for Families.
The participating local Tim Hortons that participated in the campaign this spring included the ones on Trunk Road, Beverly Street, Bench Road, Berkey’s Corner and Lake Cowichan.
During the seven days, the iconic chocolate chunk cookies topped with pink and blue icing drawing out a smile were available for $2 each at the locations, with 100 per cent of the proceeds going to the charities.
A record-breaking $22.6 million was raised through the sales of Smile Cookies this year, supporting more than 600 charities and community groups across Canada and in the United States.
“We’re so grateful for the outpouring of support for this year’s Smile Cookie campaign from Tim's guests across Canada,” said Axel Schwan, president of Tim Hortons.
“Thanks to your incredible generosity, we topped our previous Smile Cookie record.”
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In honour of Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21, Cowichan Tribes’ Jared Qwustenuxun Williams, an Indigenous chef and knowledge keeper, partnered with Victoria’s 49 Below Ice Cream to create a limited run of T’A’HW fir tip ice cream, which was available by the pint at the Oak Bay shop.
T’A’HW (fir tips) are bright green new growth at the ends of the branches in spring that are soft, citrusy and packed with vitamin C.
Through the Philanthropint program, $3 from every pint will support the Healthiest Babies Possible program at Hiiye'yu Lelum–House of Friendship in Duncan, which offers care, connection, and resources for Indigenous parents in the Quw’utsun’ region.
“Fir tips are more than a seasonal ingredient; they’re nature's way of signalling what our bodies need heading into warmer, longer days,” Williams said. “These tender parts can be infused into syrups, teas, broths or even turned into something unexpected, like ice cream.”
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Lake Cowichan has a new Mexican restaurant.
Poblanos Mexican Eatery recently held its grand opening at its location at 97 South Shore Rd.
The restaurant offers Mexican tacos, bowls, nachos, burritos and more.
Poblanos Mexican Eatery is open noon to 8 p.m. daily.
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Another new restaurant has also recently had its grand opening.
Mosaic Kitchen & Bar is now open at 104-460 Trans-Canada Hwy. in Duncan.
The restaurant is open 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, and its menu includes a full range of breakfast items, as well as burgers, curries, soups, pastas and other selections.
“Discover a vibrant fusion of flavour and wellness at Mosaic Kitchen & Bar,” the restaurant said.
“Our thoughtfully crafted menu brings you wholesome, mouthwatering dishes made with fresh, quality ingredients. Whether you're dining in or grabbing a quick bite, enjoy food that feels as good as it tastes.”
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After more than four decades in the tire business, Tim Mitton is stepping away from Ladysmith’s Big O Tires, located on the corner of First Avenue and French Street, marking the end of an era in the community.
“I opened here, in Ladysmith, in 1981,” said Mitton. “Dad operated in Nanaimo in 1966, and I opened up here 15 years later. I was 21 years old back then.”
Mitton’s career has spanned 44 years across the two cities, beginning in Ladysmith and later including a 25-year run managing the Nanaimo Big O Tires location with his sister, Robin Paul.
They sold the Nanaimo shop four years ago, but Mitton held onto the Ladysmith store until now.
“Yeah, so I guess the math says 44 years in the business,” he said with a laugh.
Asked how many tires he’s handled over the years, he quipped, “It's in the millions... I haven't really ever sat down to calculate it. I think I might find that depressing if I heard the number.”
Mitton’s last day on the job was May 31 and he and his wife said they plan to enjoy a quieter life, including visits to their daughter in Australia.
Taking over the business are Mack Wander and his brothers Harman and Rahul, first-generation Canadian entrepreneurs with a growing footprint in the Lower Mainland.
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Khowutzun Development Corporation, Cowichan Tribes’ economic arm, has been named the “Community-owned Business of the Year” by the BC Achievement Foundation as part of its 17th annual Indigenous Business Award program.
The award program recognizes the outstanding accomplishments of Indigenous businesses, entrepreneurs, partnership entities and community-owned enterprises in B.C.
It is one of five programs led by BC Achievement, an independent foundation that honours excellence and inspires achievement throughout the province.
“The 2025 Indigenous Business Award recipients embody the strength, vision, and wisdom of their Nations,” said Walter Pela, chair of the BCAF.
“Their entrepreneurial journeys are deeply rooted in community, land, and culture; honouring tradition while driving innovation. These leaders are building businesses that uplift future generations and reaffirm the vital role of Indigenous economies across these territories. BC Achievement is honoured to celebrate their successes.”
The eight recipients of the 2025 Indigenous Business Award will be recognized during a formal gala ceremony at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver on Nov. 5, 2025.
