REGATTA DAY — PERFECT WEATHER, PERFECT REGATTA
The sun shone and the temperature was just right for swimming, but not too hot, making for a perfect Youbou regatta day on August 8. Youbou's Volunteer Firefighters served over 500 people stacks of pancakes, scrambled eggs and the works.
The world's smallest parade lived up to its name, with participants happily rewarded for their efforts. And at Arbutus Park, swimming events, chalk artwork, cornhole toss and watermelon resulted in a lot of ribbon-winning smiles. Kent Ball kept the music flowing, and the Youbou Community Association filled orders for burgers and hotdogs.
Thanks to Youbou Volunteer Firefighters, Youbou Community Association, Cowichan Lake Recreation, musicians, judges, and everyone who participated!
THE WORLD'S SMALLEST PARADE — PARADE WINNERS
- Best pet — The Outcasts: Oaker, Dena, Greyson and Liam, along with the Outcast Outcasts: Nyah, Myriam, Katina, Nicky, Kam and Bobo the Dog (whom the Outcasts did not want in their group)
- Best homemade float — Henry, Elsie, Arthur and Willow (mom) Doucette
- Best group — The Vibes: bride-to-be Julia with her friends Sarah, Karly, Robyn, Rachel, Aude and Emma. They made their tie-dye shirts the night before so they could dance in the parade as part of the bachelorette party.
- Best commercial float — Lake Cowichan Country Grocer
- Best motorized vehicle — Finn Ellis
- Best couple — Dean the Dog Catcher and Teresa the Pirate
- Best individual — Cheyenne the Cowgirl
SUMMER IN REVIEW
Fifth Annual Crabfest
Thanks to all who assisted or attended the YCA's sell-out fifth annual Crabfest. This feast of crab with all the trimmings has become a Youbou summer staple, and attracts friends, neighbours and visitors from around the lake and beyond.
Thanks to the Youbou General Store, Arise Café and Daly's Auto Centre for selling tickets. Volunteers from the Youbou Community Association orchestrate this event, from managing tickets and marketing, to procuring and preparing food, decorating, serving and cleaning up.
We salute everyone who helped us put away chairs and tables afterward, speeding clean-up along.
75 Years of Bowling
Youbou Lanes celebrated 75 years on July 11 at Youbou Hall. Locals gathered to view historic photos, trophies and other memorabilia, and to toast some of the senior pinsetters present.
The fifties roared to life that evening with an old-fashioned sock-hop, dancing to the tunes of Thick as Thieves.
On Sunday the celebrations continued with a bowling tournament that attracted bowlers from all over the Island. Silly won over serious as prizes were awarded for the most gutter balls and other dubious achievements.
OCTOBER IN YOUBOU — CACKLE, CONJURE, CELEBRATE
Witch's Paddle
Put a little cackle in your paddle and head for Arbutus Park on Saturday, October 10, at 9:30 am for the fourth annual Witch's Paddle. Your vessel can be a stand-up paddle board, a kayak or a canoe, as long as a lifejacket is part of your bewitching costume.
The fun starts with a Monster Mash stretch, led by Julie Madden of Intention Wellness Space. Prizes will be awarded for best costume and best paddlecraft, and the Youbou Community Association will serve hot drinks and sweet treats.
If stormy seas prevail, check the Youbou Community Association Facebook page for any updates on rescheduling.
Help decorate the haunted house
The more hands and brains, the better. Help us conjure up the 2026 edition of Youbou's renowned haunted house. The magic starts upstairs at Youbou Hall the second week of October.
If you've got an hour or two to pitch in, just show up. Volunteers generally work from mid-morning to mid-afternoon. Check the Youbou Community Association Facebook page for details on decorating times.
Halloween night at Youbou Hall
Dress up on Saturday, October 31, for a night of fun at the free Youbou Hall Halloween celebration, starting at 5:30 pm. Dare to enter the haunted house, open from 6 to 8 pm.
For the little ones who want merry not scary, the Youbou Community Association will stock the Ghoul-Fish Pond, where brave little fisher-people can try their luck. The costume contest starts at 7 pm — your chance to show off your best spooky or creative look.
And if you just want to hang out, enjoy hot dogs, tea and coffee, courtesy of the Youbou Volunteer Fire Department, you're welcome. The evening ends with a spectacular firework display, made safe by our well-trained firefighters.
Bring your friends, family and Halloween spirits.
Schedule: 5:30 pm doors open · 6–8 pm haunted house · 7 pm costume contest · dusk fireworks
AROUND THE COMMUNITY
Sew-and-Sew
Join fellow stitchers at Youbou church every other Thursday for some seamless together time. The Sew / Quilt / Crochet / Knit group picks up the fall thread on Thursday, September 10 and 24, from 10 am to 3 pm in the lower hall. Everyone is welcome.
Church Society Meeting
The Youbou Community Church Society will meet on Saturday, September 12, at 10:00 am in the lower hall of the church. This volunteer group maintains the church as a community space and manages special events and programming held in the building. Past and new members are welcome. Dues are a mere $5 per year.
Tune into Rivernotes
If you find yourself serenading the shower curtain or turning up the car karaoke, perhaps you should raise your voice with the Rivernotes Community Choir. Rehearsals are Thursday nights at 6 pm at the Lake Cowichan 50+ Centre, starting September 24. Arise Café manager Meagan DeVauld is the choir director. For more information, reach out to RiverNotesChoirLC@gmail.com.
Arise Spotlight
Keep an eye on Arise's sign for weekly Saturday evening events starting in October, such as open mic, Mexican menus and special performers. The staff will be taking a couple of short breaks in September, so the café will close September 7 through 10 and September 14 through September 17.
Pub Happenings
Drag is back at Youbou Bar & Grill on Saturday, September 12 at 7:30 pm. This time, it's a sequel! Have It Off Productions presents Strutting Season II, a drag extravaganza hosted by Sheila V Toff and joined by Kara Juku, Shelita Cox and La Crosse. The evening promises big performances, bigger looks, and the kind of night Youbou doesn't forget. This one is 19+. Tickets are $25, available at the Youbou General Store and online.
Reserve Craft Fair Tables
Attention crafters: you can now rent a table to showcase your handmade goods or home party show items at the Youbou Christmas Craft Fair. The Saturday, November 28, event usually sells out quickly, so be sure to book your table early ($20 a table). Doors open at 8:30 am for setup. When booking, please specify whether your table will feature handmade-only items or other products.
Save the date
Christmas Craft Fair — Saturday, November 28 · Youbou Hall · doors 10 am, setup from 8:30 am · tables $20
New Year's Eve Dance — Thursday, December 31 · Youbou Hall · 8 pm
NOTICES — RUT, FIRE AND WATER
Rut Rules
Remember that elk are more aggressive during the rut season, which happens in September and October in Youbou. It's a good time to share the basics:
- Steer clear of elk nearby. This is not the time for a selfie.
- Don't feed elk. Proactively pick ripe fruit from trees, and make sure bird feeders are beyond antler reach.
- Store any clotheslines, hammocks, hoses and the like that can become trapped in antlers.
- If you see an elk near the road, switch on your hazard lights to warn others.
- Drive within the speed limit. It is 50 km/h in town for a reason, especially during the rut!
If you have any concerns or questions, contact wildsafebc.com.
Fire Restrictions (in effect until October 31)
As part of a Coastal Fire Centre ban announced by BC Wildfire, Area I is under a fire ban until October 31, or until the order is rescinded by BC Wildfire. This includes, but is not limited to, campfires, yard fires and fireworks. For more information, go to www2.gov.bc.ca.
Also note that crown and forestry lands have closed all back-country roads and trails to motorized recreation vehicles, such as ATVs and motorized bikes, until the fire hazard season has passed.
Level 3 Water Restrictions (Cowichan Valley)
Unless rain falls in significant amounts soon, Cowichan Valley is currently under Level 3 water restrictions. Restriction levels can change quickly, so for the latest information it's best to refer to the CVRD web site.
Level 3 means no sprinkling of lawns. You may use micro or drip irrigation, or hand-water food gardens for up to 2 hours a day and ornamental gardens up to 1 hour daily. Filling pools and hot tubs is not permitted. Washing vehicles, boats, driveways, houses and sidewalks may be permitted under certain circumstances.
Reminder: Halloween fireworks
The Halloween night display at Youbou Hall is run by our well-trained volunteer firefighters. The fire ban still covers everyone else — please leave your own fireworks at home on October 31.
Vote for your Area I Director — Saturday, October 17
Youbou Hall, 8 am to 8 pm — advance voting also available.
ELECTION SEASON — CVRD AREA I, VOTING SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17
It's soon time to cast your ballot for the CVRD Area I Representative. Voting will be at Youbou Hall from 8 am to 8 pm on Saturday, October 17, but you can also vote ahead. As of this writing, one candidate has stepped forward, but nominations remain open until September 11. Campaigning starts officially on September 19, so learn as much as you can before you vote.
An article by the already-declared candidate appears below. Should more candidates come forward, their views will appear on the Youbou Community Association Facebook page. The Youbou Community Association does not endorse any office-seekers, but feels it's important to share information so everyone knows the candidates' views before voting.
Candidate statement: Stephanie Harper
For over a decade, this sunny side of the lake has been my home. Like so many of you, I love our quiet mornings, our close-knit neighbourhoods, and the rugged natural beauty that surrounds us. But more than anything, I care about where we're heading — and what kind of future we're building for our kids, our grandkids, and the next generation who'll call Youbou and Meade Creek and West Cowichan home.
Area I deserves a strong, informed voice at the CVRD Board table. We need leadership that looks ahead, asks the right questions, protects what makes this place special, and keeps our community's future front and centre.
My background gives me the experience to do that work. I have formal education in architecture and executive leadership, along with more than 35 years across software, construction, land development, real estate, business, and technology. I have managed risk, built lean operations, worked with complex budgets, and delivered major projects on time and on budget.
For Area I, that means having a Director who understands land use, planning, bylaws, infrastructure, budgets, and the real-world impact of government decisions. It means having someone who can look at the details, question the costs, and make sure our tax dollars are used wisely.
Prepared communities are stronger communities. My service with Cowichan Search and Rescue has reinforced the importance of clear information, calm coordination, practical resources and dependable teamwork. At the regional district level, that means strong emergency planning, support for fire protection and FireSmart, reliable local services, and making sure seniors, families and vulnerable neighbours are not left behind. Real resilience means helping communities prepare, adapt, and sustain themselves.
I have also served on the Advisory Planning Commissions for Area I, Area F, and the Town of Lake Cowichan. Through that work, I spent years involved in regional planning, land-use decisions, and Local Area Plans. When the Modernized Official Community Plan (MOCP) threatened to overlook local voices, lakeside living, forestry and rural realities, I stood with and for our community and pushed back. Protecting our way of life and keeping local decision-making connected to local people matters. Our children should inherit communities that still feel like home — not communities shaped by distant decisions, excessive red tape, or policies that do not reflect how people actually live here.
That same common-sense approach applies to taxation. Area I's requisition is now roughly $3.39 million, and we need to be honest about who is carrying the load. Residential taxpayers are paying more, while our local tax base has become less balanced. We need to responsibly diversify our economy, support appropriate industry and local business, and ease pressure on homeowners wherever possible. Every decision should balance economic common sense, social well-being, and environmental stewardship. That is how we keep Area I livable for young families, seniors, workers, and the people who want to stay rooted here.
Life is demanding enough right now. My commitment is simple: I will work to make life a little easier where regional government can — and I will not support bylaws that make life harder for families, seniors, workers, or local property owners. I will listen, communicate plainly, ask the tough questions, and stand up for Area I at the regional district table.
I would be truly honoured to earn your trust and your vote. For more information visit stephanieharper.ca.
Statements are printed as submitted. The Youbou Community Association does not endorse any candidate; further statements, should more candidates come forward, will appear on the YCA Facebook page.
LEARN & PLAY — CLASSES, LANES AND PICKLEBALL
Art Classes & More
The Cowichan Lake Arts Centre (CLAC) features an inspired gift shop filled with treasures crafted by local artisans, plus art classes for all skill levels. Next door to Arise Café, the Centre is open Wednesdays to Sundays, 10 am to 2 pm. Register for classes and the free newsletter at cowichanlakeartsandculture.org, where you can also become a member to help support this growing initiative.
Make Your Own Applique Tote Bag — Saturday, September 5 and 12, 10 am
Instructor Kate Hahn teaches the art of creating fun and unique beach / gym / school / shopping bags in this two-day class.
Watercolour Classes with Cim MacDonald — September 9 and 10, 10 am
Cim teaches a basic course for beginners to intermediate. Day 1 focuses on skies, water, controlled skies, and sky-water images with mountains, rocks and trees. The second day delves into more advanced methods of developing the same subjects.
Slab Pottery — September 19 and 20 (forms), November 15 (glazing), 12 pm
Rosemary Danaher shows how to make a slab mold, using Styrofoam, to make plates. Students will also make a slab vase, a paper towel caddie, or a candle holder.
Learn to Make Healing Salves — Sunday, October 4, 10 am
Della Rice-Sylvester is a respected Cowichan Tribes Elder Medicine Woman and ethnobotanist known for her expertise in traditional Indigenous plant medicine and healing arts. Indigenous healing salves are made by infusing medicinal plants into a carrier fat or oil, then thickening it with beeswax. Learn to make your own; take home a jar made in class.
Bowling Fun
Men's, Women's and Mixed 10-Pin Evenings (16+)
Meet new people and practice your bowling skills at these fun and social 10-pin evenings. No experience nor equipment is needed. Men bowl on Tuesdays, mixed couples on Wednesdays, and women on Thursdays. To ensure these special evenings move forward, sign up for the season, starting September 15 (through December 9). Guests and drop-ins may participate by paying a drop-in fee.
Children's Bowling
Our new kids' bowling program starts on Sunday, September 20 at 3 pm.
Drop-in Bowling
Friday and Saturday night drop-in bowling starts on September 11 at 7 pm. Lane reservations for Friday or Saturday nights are available online at reccowichan.ca (bowling, lanes) or 250 749-6742 ext 0. Note: no drop-in bowling on Labour Day weekend.
Bowling Rentals
To schedule a private bowling event during non-school days or hours, please call Cowichan Lake Recreation at 250 749-6742 ext 0.
Pickleball at Youbou Hall
Once the rainy season sets in, Youbou Hall is open for pickleball Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday mornings, from 9:30 to 11:30. For those who prefer to play in the evenings, the hall is also open for play on Tuesday and Thursday nights from 7 to 9 pm, starting September 15.
Annual membership $125 · 6-month membership $85 · Drop-in $4
THE ASSOCIATION — 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. We are now a full board of 11 active Youbou citizens, having elected Kryshelle Love, manager of the Youbou Bar & Grill, to join us at our last board meeting — congratulations!
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, head to youbouyca.com/products/membership
Family lifetime membership — $10, one time fee per household. Get a vote at the annual meeting and the newsletter in your inbox every month.
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 info@youbouyca.com 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.
Your YCA board
Julia Martinusen — Chair
Steve Watt — Treasurer
Randall Wilson — Secretary
Adam Khomsi — Communications
Cheryl Morgan — Membership
Dave DePape — Board member
Rebekah Ell — Board member
Kryshelle Love — Board member
Allison Peacock Giles — Board member
Bee Greenway — Board member
Debbie Smith — Board member
DATES
SEPTEMBER
5 · Applique Tote Bag Class, Gallery, 10 am
9 · Watercolour Painting Class, Gallery, 10 am
10, 24 · Sew Days, Church, 10 am
11 · Drop-in Bowling begins, Hall, 7 pm
12 · Church Society Meeting, Church, 10 am
12 · Strutting Season Drag Show, Pub, 7:30 pm
15 · Men's Bowling, Hall, 7 pm
15 · Evening Pickleball, Hall, 7 pm
16 · Mixed Adult Bowling, Hall, 7 pm
17 · Ladies Bowling, Hall, 7 pm
19 · Slab Pottery Class, Gallery, 12 pm
20 · Kids Bowling, Hall, 3 pm
24 · Rivernotes Choir, CL 50+ Centre, 6 pm
OCTOBER
4 · Healing Salves Class, Gallery, 10 am
10 · Witch's Paddle, Arbutus Park, 9:30 am
12 · Happy Thanksgiving!
17 · Election, Youbou Hall, 8 am to 8 pm
31 · Halloween & Haunted House, Hall, 5:30 pm
LOOKING AHEAD
Nov 15 · Slab Pottery glazing, Gallery, 12 pm
Nov 28 · Christmas Craft Fair, Hall, 10 am
Dec 31 · New Year's Eve Dance, Hall, 8 pm
ONGOING
Tuesdays · TOPS, Church, 10:30 am
Fri & Sat · Drop-in Bowling, 7 pm
Mon/Tue/Thu/Fri · Pickleball, Hall, 9:30–11:30 am
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