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Mid-Isle Soccer season begins
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Tuesday, September 11, 2012
Fundraiser for the Philippines coming up
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Tourism numbers are up Niomi Pearson The Chronicle
Dozens of youth of all ages and adults came out to the Park the Park skatepark rally on Sept. 7 in Chemainus to call for action on stalled skatepark plans, an idea which was first proposed about 10 years ago. Attendees spent a few hours showing off their skills to spectators on a makeshift skatepark in Waterwheel Park. Niomi Pearson/Chronicle
Collision Repairs Need a Makeover?
With significant increases in visitors, phone calls and bus tours, the Cowichan Valley has proven itself the place to be this summer. Visitor centres in Ladysmith and Chemainus are reporting increases as high as 36.4 per cent in some areas, as compared to last year’s numbers. Chemainus Visitor Centre co-ordinator Marlie Kelsey said Chemainus’ upbeat attitude and local events brought an increase of 21.3 per cent (7,324 people) to the centre in August, while in July, Chemainus experienced a 19.2-per-cent increase. From April to June, the Chemainus Visitor Centre recorded a 36.4-per-cent increase in overall tourism (determined by the averages of total parties, visitors and bus tours). “The many events we’ve had going on draw people in — ArtBeat, which is a new Friday night art walk; the Theatre, which is celebrating 20 years this year … and the murals,” said Kelsey. “And no matter what you have heard or what you read, the murals are still a major draw to the community.” Chemainus has seen tourists from a variety of different locales, including Europe, Australia and Japan. This year, for the first time, there have been a significant number of French-Canadian visitors from Quebec, Kelsey said. “We’ve had an increase in bus tourism this year, without a doubt,” she said. Some of the many summer events in Chemainus this year have included Music in the See More Page 3
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