Life’s a Beach Party
Welcome back the sun and Youbou-style summer fun, with a night of catchy tunes from the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico. The tropical breeze hits Youbou Hall on Saturday, May 3, with cabana drinks and dancing music brought to you by Arise Café, in partnership with the Youbou Community Association. Doors open at 6:30 and music starts at 7 pm. Pozitive Rebellion and the Rowdy Boys will set the don’t-worry-be-happy vibe with some reggae notes, a little Latin beat, and of course some time to waste away in Margaritaville. The bar will serve up your favourite Youbou summer libations. Floral shirts, tie-dye, and flip-flops are optional, but are welcome to set the mood. Purchase tickets in advance for $20 at Arise Café and the Youbou General Store.
Youbou Community Church Society AGM
Plan to attend the Annual General Meeting of the Youbou Community Church Society on Saturday, May 10, at 10 am in the lower hall of the church, a building owned by the community at large. All are welcome! The Church Society is planning to participate in the upcoming May 24 garage sale. Let them know if you have treasures they can sell and make it a stop on your own garage sale tour.
Garage Sale Day
Mark your calendars for Saturday, May 24, for the annual Youbou Community Garage Sale, starting at 9 am, rain or shine. Let us know if you’re hosting a sale that day by emailing adamkhomsi@gmail.com. We’ll post an online map and let you know where you can pick up balloons so mark your sale, so bargain hunters know where to find your treasures.
And if you have items you want to move along but not enough to put on your own garage sale? The Youbou Community Church Society will be a stop on the garage sale tour that day and is looking for gently used donations. If you wish to donate your garage sale items to the YCCS, you can arrange for pick up (no large furniture please). All proceeds from the church sale will go to supporting the infrastructure of our beautiful church. Please TEXT (250) 510-2185 for pick up.
Youbou Annual Clean-Up
If you have garage sale leftovers or items past their prime, tote them to Meade Creek on Saturday, May 31, between 9 am and 3 pm, when we’ll be offering our once-a-year deal on tipping fees for Area I residents. Just show an ID with your Area I address and we’ll cover up to $30 of tipping fees per household. This clean-up is funded by your Youbou Community Association.
Mystery, Mom, and Music
Youbou Bar & Grill is allegedly the scene of another suspicious death and you can help solve the crime. The stage is set for another puzzling Murder Mystery on Saturday, May 24 at 6 pm. For cloak-and-dagger fans, the first clue is the Oriental nature of the crime. For $45, you’re invited to join the team of suspects and sleuths. Will you be the crime solver or the criminal? Join the fun and find out.
Closing out the month and kicking off summer is a night of live music and barbecue on Saturday, May 31.
Tune In at Arise
Mark your calendar for May 10 and the second Saturday of each month, when Arise and CLAC bring evening live music to the coffee house. Watch the community Facebook pages for information on local and touring talent who may be coming to Arise, plus other details.
Notes from Area I Director Karen Deck
Now that the 2025 budget has been passed at the Cowichan Valley Regional District, updated budget information can be found by going to the official website, then Services and on to Finance. Under Budget 2025, you’ll see schedules A through J, as well as information on the 179 individual budgets for CVRD services. Each schedule has data for every area. Our area is: Area I Youbou/Meade Creek. The team in the Finance department is happy to answer any questions. Decision making was very difficult this year, as deep cuts were needed throughout the organization to meet the expectations of the board regarding spending.
Perennial questions about road conditions and maintenance continue to surface throughout the Cowichan Valley Regional District. Recently, the board had a zoom meeting with Ministry of Transportation and Transit (MOTT). We were given an opportunity to outline some of the roads in our areas needing attention. Although there aren’t plans for major work in Area I, there is room in the budget to fix potholes and rough patches. If there’s a road near you that could use some TLC, please let me know, and I’ll add it to my list.
Key Contacts:
Ministry (TMCBC 1-800-550-4997 OR 511 OR Drivebc.ca)
Michael Pearson, Director, Vancouver Island District, South Coast Region Michael.Pearson@gov.bc.ca
Service Area 1:
Shawn Haley, Operations Manager, South Island District: Shawn.Haley@gov.bc.ca
Francois Laurent; Area Manager, Roads Francios.Laurent@gov.bc.ca
Hwy 1 – W. Shore Parkway to Boys Road, Malahat, Shawnigan Lk, Mill Bay, Cobble Hill, Cow.Bay, Cow.Station
Ryan Gerow; Area Manager, Roads Ryan.Gerow@gov.bc.ca
Hwy 18, Hwy 1 – Boys Rd to Mt. Sicker Rd, Lake Cowichan, Youbou, Honeymoon Bay, PMR (Mesachie to Deering Road), Tzouhalem Rd, Crofton
Service Area 2:
Nikki Schneider, Operations Manager, Central Island District, Nikki.Schneider@gov.bc.ca
Bryce Pirozzini; Area Manager Roads: Bryce.Pirozzini@gov.bc.ca
Hwy 1 – Ladysmith/Nanaimo, Cedar, Yellowpoint, Saltair, Chemainus
EmconServices (24 hr. hotline 1-866-353-3136)
For email inquiries (only monitored during working hours) (bca1admin1@emconservices.ca)
Emcon, the company that plows and cleans the roads, has a contract with MOTT to provide this service. Similar concerns arise every season about what their contract entails. I’ve requested an FAQ page on MOTT’s website that I can offer residents when questions arise. Although I can advocate on behalf of residents with these issues, I have no control over contracts. I hope that this contact information will connect you with the person who might be able to help.
There still seems to be some confusion about Short-Term Rentals in Area I. When the province passed Bill 35 (Short-Term Rental principal residence requirement), I did not “opt in” when each Area Director was given the opportunity. If I had done so, it would have invalidated the LR-11 Zone (Cottages at Marble Bay) in Youbou/Meade Creek, which allows short-term rentals. Except for the exemptions for the CD-5 Zone in Mill Bay (Sandy Beach Cottages), the W-8 Zone in Cowichan Bay Village (Cowichan Bay stilt homes), the CD-2 Zone in Cowichan Lake/Skutz Falls (Pebbles West), short-term rentals are not permitted in the Cowichan Valley Regional District.
Although budgets have been very tight, I have a short list of “nice to have” projects that have come to my attention. Two that come to mind are: a dog park beside the ball diamond in Sa-seen-os and a playground in Arbutus Park. Are there any “nice to have’s” near you? I will advocate for them and if I can, provide funds to make them happen, if any discretionary funds come my way. Email me at Karen.Deck@cvrd.bc.ca with your ideas.
Finally, I would ask you to let me know of any issues that you would like me to address at a Community Conversation. It will be at the Youbou Hall. I haven’t set a date, but would like to know what day/time works best for you.
With kindness,
Karen
Three-Stream Curbside Collection
Friday, June 6 is the first day of the new curbside collection process. You’ve received your new bins, so get ready to implement the process in June. You should also have received detailed information and a collection schedule with your bins, but here’s the scoop:
On Friday, June 6, set out:
Blue recycling tote: This will be collected as usual every other week, on an alternating schedule with garbage.
New bear-safe green bin for food scraps and yard waste: This will be collected every week year round. Be sure to store this bin in a place where wildlife cannot get to it. (To help with collecting food scraps, you can use your new green bucket with blue lid in your kitchen, then carry out food scraps when full.)
New yellow bin: This is for glass jars and bottles, without lids. Glass will be collected once a month.
On Friday, June 13, set out: The green bin and your traditional black garbage tote (This will be collected as usual every other week, alternating with the blue recycle bin, with the usual kind of garbage, except no food waste.)
On Friday, June 21, set out the recycling tote and green bin.
On Friday, June 27, set out the garbage tote and green bin.
Smart Boating
Spring brings the annual parade of boats back to our community and our lake. Welcome! Please help to remind power boaters that the maximum speed is 10 kilometers an hour within 60 meters of shore. Your lakeshore-dwelling neighbours will thank you. (If you’re a lakeside homeowner and would like a speed caution sign, you can get them through Daly’s Service Centre.)
The Decibel Coalition suggests that many residents appreciate the peace and quiet of our beautiful lake. If you have a boat with an overly loud motor, please consider how you might minimize that volume near homes.
Lastly, if you’re bringing a boat (power boat, canoe, kayak, stand-up paddle board) from another body of water, please be sure the hull is completely clean before launching it on the lake. Invasive species can cling to boats and may threaten the delicate eco-system of our lake.
Creative Art Classes
The Youbou Arts Centre continues to channel creative energy throughout town and around the lake. If you’re searching for a Mother’s Day gift, look no further than the shop for great gifts for friends, family, or even yourself! The Arts Centre is open from Wednesdays to Sundays, 10 am to 2 pm, located at 10375 Youbou Road (next to the Arise Coffee Shop).
And to join other creative spirits, check out the exciting workshops online at https://www.cowichanlakeartsandculture.org/upcoming-, sign up for the free newsletter, or become a member to help support this growing initiative. Coming up soon are:
Underpainting: May 6 through May 27, (4 classes) 1 to 3 pm
Bring extra vibrance to your painting with this technique.
Tips and Tricks for Flower Photography: May 10, 10 am to 2 pm
Photographer Jennifer Calstrom promises your flower photography will really blossom. The session includes a field trip to Honeymoon Bay Ecological Reserve
Landscape Felting with Loretta Puckrin: May 18, 12:30 to 4:30 pm
Make an impressionist landscape or abstract ‘painting’ in wool using wet felting techniques. For those who work fast, a second piece can be created. The class offers various methods of finishing so you can use and display your creations. All essential supplies are included.
Eco-Art Therapy: Min age 18: June 6 through June 27, (4 classes) 10:30 am to 12 pm
Eco-Art Therapy combines art-making with a connection to nature, using natural materials and outdoor spaces to promote healing and self-expression. It helps reduce stress, foster mindfulness, and encourages creativity.
Sew Much
Join the sewing/crafting/quilting fun on Wednesdays, May 7 and May 21 from 10 am to 4 pm at the church. Sew Days will then take a break for summer and restart in the fall. The church will supply coffee and tea, iron, ironing board, cutting mats, tables, and friendship. You should bring:
1) Your sewing machine and crafting supplies for your project.
2) Your lunch
3) An extension cord and power bar.
4) A suggested cost of $5.00 per day.
Batter Up!
The Youbou Greens adult mixed softball team is hitting it out of the park! The team’s season opener was the April 26 and 27 Icebreaker tournament at the Mesachie Sky dome and now the players are into their regular season schedule. The team plays at ballparks around the lake but on most Friday nights, their games start at Little League Park at 6 pm. Come out and cheer on our home team.
Swimming at Arbutus Park
Every summer, Cowichan Lake Recreation offers swimming lessons at Arbutus Park in Youbou. Certified swim instructors help children refine their skills in a truly nostalgic setting. For children, swimming lessons run from June 30 through August 21, Monday through Thursday. Sign-ups for swim lessons are now open. When signing up specify:
🦀Preschool Swim| Ages 3 - 5
🐠 Swimmer | Ages 5+
🐬 Swim Patrol | Ages 8 – 15
For teens (over 15) and adults, swim lessons are in two sessions:
Saturdays | July 5 - 26 | 11:30 am - 12:30 pm | 4/$48 | Code: 93541
Saturdays | Aug 2 - 23 | 11:30 am - 12:30 pm | 3/$36 | Code: 93542
Youbou Swim and Sports Day Camp
Youbou is activity central for day camp this summer. Youngsters start the day at the Youbou Community Hall, enjoying classic camp activities and playing different sports such as bowling, basketball, and floorball. Each day, campers head to Arbutus Beach for swimming and swim lessons. Sign-ups are open now.
Ages 8 - 14
Monday - Friday | June 30 - Aug 29 | 8:30 am - 3:30 pm
5-day week/$200 | 4-day week/$160 | Code: 91669
Bowling at the Alley
Through June, drop-in bowling is open on Friday (6:30 pm) and Saturday nights (7:30 pm) at the Youbou Community Bowling Alley. Toonie nights ($2 a game) are the first Friday and third Saturday of the month, unless it falls on a statuary holiday. Lane reservations are available for Friday and Saturday nights at a cost of $6.25 per lane.
This summer, July and August bowling will expand. Saturday night Rock ’n’ Glow bowling will continue as always from 7:30 to 10:30 pm. New to the mix is Friday Family Fun bowling from 7:30 to 10:30 pm. Visitors can either bowl regular games or try out fun bowling challenges, such as Snakes ’n’ Ladders, BINGO, Crazy Bowling Tasks, and others.
Pickleball
Pickleball play continues at Youbou Hall on Monday, Tuesday, and Friday mornings from 9:30 to 11:30 am, with a special welcome for beginners on Tuesdays. Pickleball is also available Thursday nights at 7 pm. The drop-in fee is $4.00. Note that when the weather turns nice in the spring months, pickleball players tend to migrate from Youbou Hall to the outdoor court in Lake Cowichan.
Broom Bust
Thank you to our neighbours and friends who cut broom together on a beautiful spring morning on April 12. A solid 21 volunteers from all over Youbou met at Mile 77 Park for a safety briefing, then split into three groups to tackle invasive broom at Creekside, Miracle Way, and Swordfern. Volunteers hauled at least 8 truckloads of broom to Meade Creek. The cutters then gathered at YCA board member Debbie Smith’s home for social time and lunch, courtesy of the Youbou Community Association. Thanks to Debbie, Bee, and Dave for organizing the event. And kudos to all who volunteered: Don, Steve, Jean, Mike, Shana, Kim, Margie, Julia, Randall, Paul, Allison, Bob, Deb, Mary, Donna, Teresa, Cathy, and Jim. Check out the photos in this newsletter.
Have Your Own Broom Bust
Scottish broom is an invasive plant that is spreading quickly, crowding out native plants and reducing biodiversity. It’s highly flammable due to the oil in its branches, so it’s a real fire hazard. It’s also toxic and changes the soil chemistry. Broom’s spread can only be slowed or prevented by diligent efforts. Please consider cutting broom in your neighbourhood, using these tips:
• Cut broom early spring before, or just as it flowers
• Cut larger plants below, or as close to, ground level as possible.
• Plants with stems less than 1.5 cm may be hand pulled. But avoid this if it disturbs the soil, as this is a catalyst for the seeds to germinate.
• Burning live plants is not effective, as the seeds germinate following a burn.
There is excellent information on Broom Busters website, or on the BC Invasive Species website: https://bcinvasives.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Scotch-Broom_Factsheet_10_04_2019.pdf
Firesmart Rebates Available Now
Don’t leave money on the table! Sign up for a free and confidential Firesmart home assessment and get a rebate of up to $4,000 for qualifying improvements. To book a free consultation, call Todd Carnaghan at Emergency Management Cowichan at 250.252.8868. (Weekdays and Wednesday or Thursday evenings work best.) You’re under no obligation to implement the recommendations, but there’s money in it for you if you do. And there’s the peace of mind you earn when the hot, dry fire season starts, and you know you’ve done everything you can to protect your home.
Are You a YCA Member?
The Youbou Community Association is involved in helping community activities happen, such as the monthly newsletter, crabfest, New Year’s Eve, and other events throughout the year. While we love our facebook friends, an official family lifetime membership in the organization is just $10 and involves filling out a form. It is a key to knowing what’s going on around Youbou as well as giving you a vote at our annual meetings. We’ll email you our colourful community newsletter every month. To join, reach out to cherylmtutor@gmail.com. And if you’re interested in getting involved as a board member, let her know too.
Got News?
If you’d like to contribute news for the newsletter about a public event happening (or not happening) in or around Youbou and Area I, please send particulars about date, time and place to julia@raedwulf.org, by the 20th of the month, please. You can also check our web site at youbouyca.com and our Youbou Community Association facebook page for the latest information.
Dates
May 2: Toonie Night, Bowling Alley, 6:30 pm
May 3: Life’s a Beach Party, Youbou Hall
May 6: Underpainting Class, Art Centre, 1 pm
May 7: Sew Day, Youbou Church, 10 am
May 10: Youbou Church Society AGM, Youbou Church, 10 am
May 10: Flower Photography Class, Art Centre, 10 am
May 10: CLAC live music at Arise
May 11: Mother’s Day Brunch, Pub, 11:30
May 17: Toonie Night, Bowling Alley, 7:30 pm
May 18: Landscape Felt Class, Art Centre, 12:30 pm
May 21: Sew Day, Youbou Church, 10 am
May 24: Community Garage Sale, 9 am
May 24: Murder Mystery, Pub, 6 pm
May 31: Area I Clean-Up, Meade Creek Recycling, 9 am to 3 pm
May 31: Barbecue & Live Music, Pub
June 6: Three-Stream Waste Collection Starts
June 6: Eco Art Class, Art Center, 10:30 am
June 6: Toonie Night, Bowling Alley, 6:30 pm
Ongoing
Mon., Tues., Fri.: Pickleball, Youbou Hall, 9:30 am
Thurs: Pickleball, Youbou Hall 7 pm
Tuesdays: TOPS, Church, 10:30 am
Fridays: Drop-in Bowling and Open Gym, 6:30 pm
Saturdays: Drop-in Bowling, Youbou Lanes, 7:30 pm
Sundays: Brunch, Pub, 11 am to 2 pm
Your YCA Board
Carmen Bruce
Dave DePape
Allison Peacock Giles
Bee Greenway
Adam Khomsi, Web Master
Julia Martinusen, Chair
Cheryl Morgan, Membership
Debbie Smith
Randall Wilson, Secretary
Steve Watt, Treasurer