Looking for second-hand goods and/or vintage finds?
Check out the new Station St. Salvage, located at 28 Station St. in downtown Duncan, which offers a wide assortment of pre-loved items, from everyday household materials and furniture, to vintage and antique pieces.
Kevin McInnes, manager of the shop that opened on June 24, said the ever-changing inventory offers something for every taste and style.
“The idea is to keep a lot of stuff from going to the landfill,” he said. “We’ll gather items from the community and sell it here cheap. We’re also going to have vendors that will set up in their shop on month-to-month contracts and they’ll be selling their own stuff as well."
Station St. Salvage is owned by Peter Williams, who also operates All-Season Services which specializes in junk removal and delivery services.
McInnes said Williams was finding it difficult to locate thrift shops in the area to take larger items that he collections, like second-hand couches, so he decided to open a shop where the items could be sold cheaply and kept from adding to already over-crowded landfills.
“We have free delivery for bigger items within 10 kilometres of the shop,” McInnes said.
Station St. Salvage is open Tuesday to Saturday, and closed Sunday and Monday.
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When Bound to Be Fashion & Gifts recently held its grand reopening after renovations in Chemainus, it wasn’t just a retail event — it was a celebration of a woman who has made countless people feel beautiful, seen and welcome.
Amy Hughes, the shop’s owner and chief curator, greeted guests over snacks and laughter as they tried on outfits, browsed the shelves, and admired the newly renovated space.
Hughes, whose cheerful manner and eye for style have become legendary in Chemainus and beyond, said the opening felt “like a rugby scrimmage” with guests spilling out onto the sidewalk.
“My cup is well and truly overflowing,” she said. “I don’t really have the words for it, honestly.”
The new store, just two doors down from her previous location on Willow Street, is already seeing more foot traffic.
Hughes credits the large front windows and open double doors for creating a space that naturally draws people in.
With its airy layout, thoughtful displays and Hughes’s signature blend of fashion, gifts, cards, and cozy extras, Bound to Be is a space where people feel good, and sometimes even emerge transformed.
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The longtime dream of a home that would really showcase what the Ladysmith Chamber of Commerce is has come a huge step closer.
A partnership between the chamber and the Island Corridor Foundation, with support from the province, has secured $1 million to renovate the historic Ladysmith train station.
The money will come from the province’s Rural Economic Diversification and Infrastructure Program.
The building, which is in the Canadian Register of Historic Places and is commonly referred to as the old E&N station, was built in 1944 and is located across the highway from Ladysmith city hall.
The building has sat empty since 2011 when rail service was discontinued.
“In the spring of 2023, ICF approached the chamber with a memorandum of understanding for the train station,” said Roberta Bowman, the chamber’s CEO.
“The chamber then applied for the REDIP funding but was unsuccessful. In 2024 the chamber approached ICF to enter into another MOU but ICF offered a partnership instead to help make the application more successful, which it was."
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The Malahat Post Office will be closed until some time in August.
In a statement, Canada Post said the owners of Centex Petroleum, which hosts the Malahat post office, gas station and convenience store, is undertaking significant renovations that started on June 2 and are expected to take approximately eight weeks.
Canada Post customers who use the Malahat post office have temporary access to postal services and their mail at the Shawnigan Lake post office at 2741 Shawnigan Lake Rd., which is approximately 16 kilometres from the Malahat post office.
The Shawnigan Lake post office is open Mondays to Fridays, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
When picking up their mail or items from the counter, customers are required to present a valid government photo ID.
“We thank our Malahat customers for their patience during this temporary inconvenience and look forward to serving them again soon at the renovated facility,” Canada Post said.
“Should residents have questions regarding mail delivery, we encourage them to call Canada Post’s customer service team online at canadapost.ca/support, or by telephone at 1-866-607-6301.
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The 2025 Cowichan Map is here.
Created by Mapworks, this beautifully illustrated map showcases the towns, trails, markets, wineries, parks, and hidden gems that make Cowichan so special.
Whether you're guiding visitors or planning your own adventure, this pocket-friendly resource is packed with local insight and charm.
Pick up your free copy at the Cowichan Regional Visitor Centre and see Cowichan in a whole new way!
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The Duncan Cowichan Chamber of Commerce is hosting another of its Wine Down Wednesday events at Blue Grouse, one of B.C.’s most celebrated estate wineries, on July 16, from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
“Blue Grouse is where heritage vines meet modern sustainability and natural beauty,” the chamber said of the winery, which is located at 2182 Lakeside Rd.
“Expect rolling vineyard views, a touch of history, and plenty of space to connect and unwind. Food and drinks at your own expense.”
Participants must register with the chamber before the event.
Register online, call 250-748-1111 or email admin@duncancc.bc.ca.
